Firefighters Combat Challenge 2026

 
September 13, 2026
 

We appreciate the support of the following sponsors for making this event possible: E.B. Excavating, Kirby Kitner Excavating, Old Mountain Stone Inn, HRN (Hoffman Radio Network), Ask A Handyman, Talmudic Penn, Paradise Valley Adventures, ESIP, and GFA (Chaz Sheaffer, Derek Fry). Thanks also to Patty Turner for serving as a judge.

Special recognition goes to all the fire companies who participated, including Ickesburg with two teams, Middletown, and New Bloomfield with two teams.

The results of the competition are as follows:

First place team: Scott Kerstetter and John Fleming from New Bloomfield Fire Company with a time of 1 minute, 29 seconds, earning $500.

Second place team: Ryan James and James Crockett from Middletown Fire Company with a time of 1 minute, 52 seconds, earning $300.

Third place team: Rodney Keller and Dillon Blais from New Bloomfield Fire Company with a time of 2 minute, 17 seconds, earning $250.

This event has a history dating back to 2002, when Eddie Orris created it as a local adaptation of the worldwide Scott firefighter challenge. Eddie organized the event for many years, after which Mike Sheaffer took over. Currently, Scott Kerstetter manages the challenge.

The combat challenge t-shirts seen at the street fair feature a logo of a firefighter pulling a hose. This image depicts Jason Hoffman, a NBFD firefighter, based on a photograph taken during one of his runs years ago. Kirby Kitner Excavating sponsors the combat challenge t-shirts.

The Combat Challenge has become a highlight at the street fair.