© Symone Graham/Sun Journal The City of New Bern Fire Department is bringing back the “Pull for Hope” fire truck pull competition, which is to help raise money and awareness for muscular dystrophy.
If you’ve been struggling to find the perfect time to show off your strength, New Bern’s fire department has the ideal solution.
Save the date for March 26, when you can witness or be a participant in the New Bern Fire-Rescue’s third “Pull for Hope” fire truck pull competition held 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 1401 Neuse Boulevard.
The event benefits the Hope from Harrison non-profit local organization that raises money and awareness of muscular dystrophy, said Johnathon Gaskins, New Bern Fire-Rescue inspector. The name Harrison derives from Harrison Hudson, a local boy who died from the disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
On Wednesday, a fire crew of six held a preview of just how much strength it takes to pull the massive fire trucks.
Gaskins said four teams have already signed up for the competition. This leaves room for at least a total of 10 teams with six members to register and take on the challenge of pulling a 40,000 pound fire truck 100 feet far. The fastest team wins and bringing gloves and costumes are encouraged.
“You have to catch your breath a little bit afterwards,” said Gaskins jokingly. “The truck weighs 40,000 pounds and when you’re on the road pulling it feels like it weighs 140,000 pounds. So, it’s tough to get it moving, but once you get it moving you’re rolling.”
The fire department will also host an open house event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. following the truck pull as an opportunity for the public to meet local first responders, according to a news release.
Tours of the fire station will be offered and locals will have the chance to test their aim using a high-powered fire hose.
Bringing the entire family is encouraged for fun outdoor activities, food and beverages, the release states. Children will also have the chance to learn fire and home safety.
Gaskin’s partner, Bobby, a lab K9 trained in arson detection, will also be at the event showing off his accelerant sniffing skills.
To take on the fire truck pull challenge, registration forms can be picked up at the New Bern Fire-Rescue’s headquarters at 1401 Neuse Boulevard or call 252-639-2962 for more information. It’s $150 for a team of six to register.
“Please come out on March 26 and join us for the truck pull and open house,” Gaskins said. “Bill’s hot dogs will be here that day selling hot dogs in front of the station. It’s going to be a good time. We’ll have bouncy houses for the kids, fire truck rides and they’ll be able to hold the fire hose and shoot at targets. So it’ll be a fun-filled day for the whole community.”
Reporter Symone Graham covers local public safety for the Sun Journal. Have a story tip or idea? Send it her way at sgraham@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Strong enough to pull 40,000 pounds? Teams needed for New Bern fire truck pull competition