Firefighters in eastern Ontario come together at 113th EOFA Games in Merrickville

Twelve departments from eastern Ontario sent their best to complete in a series of challenges, a decades-long tradition for many. CTV’s Jack Richardson reports.

Hundreds of firefighters from 12 different departments are in Merrickville, Ont. Saturday for the 113th annual Eastern Ontario Firefighters Association (EOFA) Games and Convention.

The event is always circled on the calendar for the region’s first responders, competing against their colleagues in a series of challenges that utilize their skills as firefighters.

Each department brought about 20 firefighters as representatives.

“It’s awesome to showcase the village of Merrickville-Wolford,” said Lieutenant Chantel LaSalle with the Merrickville Fire Department.

LaSalle was responsible for organizing the event - the first time Merrickville has hosted since 1993.

“Just having everyone together, I think, is the biggest thing,” she said.

The departments typically only cross paths during calls, so having an opportunity to get together every year under more positive circumstances is always exciting.

Chad Davis, a deputy chief with the Augusta Fire Department, has attended the event for two decades. He says building relationships with the other departments is a unique experience.

“We see each other on calls all the time that are quite often not great,” he said. “And then we get to do the stuff like today, and have just good camaraderie.”

The firefighter games is also a family event. Jody Burns takes the opportunity to support his son Devon, as he gets his feet wet with the Prescott Fire Department.

Burns says it’s exciting to have a front-row view to see the skill set of firefighters.

“All the skills that they practice all year round, and it’s a competition, and in a good way, right? It’s getting them better and helping their communities,” Burns said.

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