From all accounts, our CFD sanctioned scavenger hunt was once again a huge success!  This was a competitive training exercise we termed a scavenger hunt.  The goal of the event/exercise has always been geared to mixing training, competitiveness, a fun time and great prizes into a series of five training exercises that would involve CFD equipment, apparatus and the skills of our Firefighters.  Approximately 35 Firefighters participated in the event.  Company 2, named “Water Supply”, finished all their tasks the quickest edging out Company 1 the “Halligans” by 30 seconds, claiming them the grand prize.  Company 3, named “The Resistance” gave a great effort , but got lost somewhere along the way, finishing in third (I am sure the real story will come out eventually…).  The five training evolutions included a Fire Tower challenge, MVA Entrapment/Rescue Jack scenario, Diver mission, SCBA Maze/Rescue challenge and Hovercraft/Survival Suit scenario.  At the end of each task the team was given a clue, that if deciphered properly would lead them to their next evolution, somewhere in town.  First one back to Station 1 after their final scenario would be the winner!  Although Company 2 was the official winner, in the end each Company was rewarded with pig roast/chicken barbeque prepared by PIGPICKEN here at station 1.  As the winner, Company 2 was awarded a backpack blower for their station and apparatus cleanups.  In our profession, you have to train hard, for you never know when or what type of emergency you will be facing.  We believe that you also have to be able to have a good laugh or two!  All said and done, the scavenger hunt accomplished the goals we set out to accomplish.  Five out of the box training exercises involving Firefighter skills, keeping a large number of Firefighters in Town ready to respond to any emergencies, developing comradery among the group and sharing some laughs!  A very special “THANKS” are in order to Deputy Germaine, who orchestrated the whole drill, with help from Assistant Deputy Boyle, Retired Deputy Mark Weston, Retired Firefighter Gary Weston, Retired Chief Billy Harriman, Retired Firefighter Vinny Nocera, my cousin Garret Forbes, my Comma Lady and my daughter Alyssa. (Photo’s by Firefighter, Rick Leopardi)