30th CES firefighters earn place in selective competition

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  • By Staff Report
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Erin Butler and Eric Klinedinst, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, have been chosen to participate in the first-ever Firefighter Throwdown, at the San Diego Convention Center, Feb. 19 and 20.

Out of applicants from across the country, Butler and Klinedinst fill two of only 100 available slots.

"The draw for this competition is the chance to compete against 99 of the fittest firefighters in the nation in front of thousands of our peers," said Klinedinst. "It adds an extra element of fun knowing I'll have friends and coworkers right there with me."

For the application process, firefighters submitted workout times and maximum weights for particular Olympic-style weight lifts, along with an essay on why they should be chosen.

"Fitness is paramount as a firefighter," said Klinedinst. "On any given day an emergency could happen that puts us in a very dangerous position and it's a powerful feeling to know people trust you with their lives. It's my obligation to stay as fit and healthy as I can to maintain that trust."

For Butler, all the hard work in the gym has prepared her for this unique opportunity to showcase her skills.

"Training isn't always fun," she said. "To become better, you have to continue to work on your weaknesses."

Klinedinst agrees everything they have done so far has led them to this moment, and he intends on seizing it.

"Just getting there is a win in itself," he said. "I'm going to fight. I'm not going to make it easy for them."

For more information on the competition, visit www.firefighterthrowdownusa.com.

 

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