Anyone who ever wanted to be a firefighter can get an idea of what it takes to charge into a burning building and carry someone to safety, at the North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department’s 6th Annual Firefighters Challenge, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25, during the 70th Annual North Webster Mermaid Festival.

The event will be held at the north end of the Mermaid Festival Fairgrounds.

Participants must be in full turn out gear with self contained breathing apparatus to enter. The gear will not be provided for contestants.

This will be a timed event and speed and agility count. Entrants will be challenged to climb a ladder, pull up a high-rise kit, drag a charged hose and discharge it at a target, demonstrate forcible entry, negotiate confined space and an obstacle course and drag a dummy.

Pre-registration is $25, $30 on the day of the event. Firefighters should check in between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

First prize is $500 cash; second, $350; third, $200. Fourth through 10th place prizes range from $30 to $100. Prize funding is provided by Impressive Design Homes, BuyRite, The Car Company, Dave’s Electric, Lake Lube, Roger Auto Center, Barbee Marina, Likens and Sons Construction, Clayton’s Garden Center, American Legion Post 253, Jimmy’s Restaurant and Sheila’s Sweet Treats.

After the individual challenge, departments may pair their firefighters to run the course tag team style for one combined time. The team with the lowest time and best score will receive a Traveling Trophy and a cash prize of $350, not to mention bragging rights for a year.

Participants in the team competition must compete in the individual contests to qualify for the team challenge.

The Firefighters Challenge is sponsored by the North Webster Lions Club whose members will judge all events. Their decisions are final.

During the intermission, children from kindergarten to fifth grade will be invited to participate in a mini course challenge for trophies and medals. The entry fee is $5 per child and shoes are required.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

For more information call Kevin Gunkel at (574) 518-2275. Registration forms should be returned to North Webster Fire Department, P.O. Box 292, North Webster, IN, 46555.