Sgt. Ehlke Wins Toughest Firefighter Competition

CANTON, GA — Cherokee County Firefighter Sgt. Rick Ehlke won the Toughest Firefighter Competition last month at the Georgia Police and Fire Games held in Dalton.

Firefighters had to participate in a series of events consisting of a high rise pack carry, hose hoist with a 42 pound donut roll of a 3-inch hose, forcible entry by driving a 160-pound steel sled with a 9-pound mallet, hose advance and victim rescue.

Ehlke, 50, won first place in his age category (50-54) with a time of 3:13. In 2013, Ehlke won the overall competition by beating every age category with a time of 2:31.

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The Georgia Police and Fire Games were formed in Carrollton in 1984. The games started after Officer James Perry of the Carrollton Police Department read about other state games. Perry approached Jim Herbert of the Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department, and outlined his idea for the Games.

Together, they worked with the city manager’s office and obtained approval and financial backing to pursue the establishment of the games. Since the game’s inaugural competition in June 1985, they have grown from less than 300 participants to more than 1,000 competitors. Sgt. Elhke lives in Ball Ground with his wife, Karen.

Images via Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services