PHOTOS: Dozens of fire rescue squads across Florida are putting their skills to the test competing against an international group of emergency responders for the Palm Beach State Invitational.
David Hamel, director of Palm Beach State College’s fire academy, said the friendly competition gives emergency responders a chance to hone their skills and learn from each other.
“It lets us practice our skills in a competitive environment, not in a life or death one,” Hamel said. Noting that firefighters can turn anything into a competition, Hamel said the events are typically held at venues across the country, but the college has taken all of the circuits and made a supersized competition where some departments from Canada compete. Tuesday's simulated events took place to showcase each squad’s skills, most addressing rescues from vehicles.