BEST LAWYERS 2011

Buda, Texas Firefighter Ben Ogletree scales a temporary fire training tower while carrying a bundled fire hose during the 2011 Buda Fire Fest Firefighter's Challenge in Buda, Texas. Professional Firefighters and cadets compete in a series of fire fighting related physical challenges for the best possible time. It's kind of like a firefighter's obstacle course. They must climb 4 sets of stairs carrying a bundled fire hose, then once at the top they must pull another hose bundle up from the ground using a rope, then they must climb back down the stairs and pull an unwound hose you see here about 30 yards. Next, the contestants must use a sledge hammer to drive a large steel block across a short track to simulate axing into a roof. Then, pickup and simulate a rescue of a 200lb human dummy, dragged while walking backward for 30 yards to the finish line. All of this is typically done in about two minutes and thirty seconds. Contestants are dressed in full fire gear including helmet, boots, and an 80lb air tank.

Ben pulls a heavy fire hose at the 2011 Buda Fire Fest Firefighter's Challenge in Buda, Texas. Professional Firefighters and cadets compete in a series of fire fighting related physical challenges for the best possible time. It's kind of like a firefighter's obstacle course. They must climb 4 sets of stairs carrying a bundled fire hose, then once at the top they must pull another hose bundle up from the ground using a rope, then they must climb back down the stairs and pull the hose you see here about 30 yards. Next, the contestants must use a sledge hammer to drive a large steel block across a short track to simulate axing into a roof. Then, pickup and simulate a rescue of a 200lb human dummy, dragged while walking backward for 30 yards to the finish line. All of this is typically done in about two minutes and thirty seconds. Contestants are dressed in full fire gear including helmet, boots, and an 80lb air tank.