VIDEO/PHOTOS: It takes both physical fitness and skill to be a first responder, and a good one at that.
A firefighter paramedic in Wisconsin Rapids is excelling, not only on the job, but also in the world of power lifting.
Dylan West is now back in Wisconsin after competing in the World's Strongest Firefighter Contest.
He finished ninth in the middleweight division, that's among firefighters from across the globe.
It was all a part of the Arnold Sports Festival.
Weights and fitness have been a part of West's life since he was 18 years-old, he then found power lifting when he served the country in the U.S. Army.
Power lifting has also served as an escape from the stresses of the job, that West says can build up over time.
"You know we see a lot of people on their worst days of their lives or their families' worst days," West said.