Fire Rescue Extrication Team Earns Top Spots in Competition

Here's something that might make you feel good if you're the type of person who worries about getting into a car accident.

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue's Extrication Team is among the best when it comes to rescuing patients from vehicles. The team earned multiple top spots in a recent vehicle extrication competition. 

 spokeswoman Liz Monforti says that all Palm Harbor firefighters are trained in extrication and rescue. Ongoing training ensures that firefighters are knowledgeable about the latest extrication techniques, and changes in the manufacture of vehicles that might impact the way someone would need to be rescued. Firefighters often attend training sessions at recovery yards.

Fire departments often put together teams to compete against each other. PHFR team members Ryan Fisher, Mike Harvey, Josh Lovetere, Mike Ross, Matt Quinn and Dan Zinge placed in the top three for all categories during the recent challenge in Myrtle Beach.

The team's accomplishments include a first-place finish in the TERC USA National, and third place overall in the North American Vehicle Rescue Challenge.

Team awards include:

Second place: 10 Minute Rapid Pit

Third place: 20 Minute Unlimited

Third-place tie: 20 Minute Limited Challenge

Individual awards include:

First place: Technical Tool

Second place: Best Medic

Second place: Best IC