Four members of the Erie Fire Department will represent the City of Erie this week as they compete in the Firefighter Challenge Northeast Region Classic in Akron, Ohio.
The team, comprised of Judah Gardner, Nate Gardner, Terry Sedney, and Marshall Hunsaker, will test their strength, speed, and endurance against some of the region’s top firefighter athletes. The competition simulates the physical demands firefighters face on the job through a series of timed events, including stair climbs, hose hoists, forcible entry, hose drags, equipment carries, and victim rescues.
The Northeast Region Classic serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 U.S. National Firefighter Challenge Championship, which will take place in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, September 23-26, 2026.
As the hometown team, Erie Fire Department firefighters are competing not only for top finishes in Akron, but also for the opportunity to return home and compete on a national stage in front of family, friends, coworkers, and the Erie community.
Community members are encouraged to follow the team’s progress throughout the week and cheer them on as they represent Erie in one of the most demanding firefighter sporting events in the country.
The event is free and open to the public and live coverage will be streamed on the Firefighter Challenge’s YouTube channel.
The 2026 U.S. National Firefighter Challenge Championship is expected to bring hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators to downtown Erie, showcasing elite firefighter athletes from across the United States.
For more information about the 2026 U.S. National Firefighter Challenge Championship, visit the event’s official website or follow the event on social media.
