On Saturday, the Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department had the absolute pleasure of hosting our annual Tin Man Challenge and open house at Hall One. In the scorching heat, on bare pavement, members faced off in the timed event. The course this year consisted of donning SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) and full gear, a series of hose couplings, hose drag and handling, shooting a target with a hose stream, a kaiser sled prop to simulate forcible entry, a confined space prop, ladder climb and dummy drag to finish. There was a fantastic turnout with many familiar faces on the sidelines: friends, family, neighbours and even members of other Sunshine Coast fire departments coming to show support.
James “Jimmy” Allcock and Gregory “Greggy” Allcock, Halfmoon Bay firefighters and Lytton Rattlers with BC Wildfire, took time away from the wildfire frontlines to come compete. Gregory Allcock threw down an impressive 2:59 time, the only sub-three-minute time of the challenge, holding onto his first-place position a second year in a row. When asked about his win Gregory stated, “I’m honoured to be a part of such a hard-working team. Great work by all my colleagues, way to put in some effort.”
Firefighter Bo Xaveriss came in second with a strong 3:14.51, just beating out recent “Fastest Recruit, Trial By Fire Sechelt 2025” winner Jeff Prodor who posted a 3:14:70. Overall, a very strong showing by all members with nine sub-four-minute times posted to the board. It is a feat to complete the challenge at all, and I am so proud of our Halfmoon Bay Firefighters.
Chief Raymond and our newly hired deputy chief Dylan Chow took time between competing to give tours, man the recruitment table and talk to the public. Chief Raymond on the event, “Thanks to all those from the public who came to cheer on your local firefighters. All the firefighters who ran the course did great! And big thanks to the firefighters/chief from other departments that came out and competed. A great introduction for our new deputy chief.”
As always, thank you to everyone for your support of your local first responders and we look forward to hosting the event and open house again next year.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any upcoming events to be featured or want to connect about all things happening in Halfmoon Bay. Kyla Trethewey, columnist and Halfmoon Bay Firefighter #36.
