Local firefighters put their skills, teamwork and department pride to the test Monday, Aug. 17, as the Deputy’s Cup made its long-awaited return.
The department competition was first established in 2017 and held again in 2018 before taking an extended hiatus. The 2019 event was postponed because of Eastern Equine Encephalitis precautions, while the 2020 competition was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s return brought companies together for a series of timed evolutions designed to test speed, technical ability and teamwork.
Events included gear donning, where firefighters raced to get into full protective equipment; ladder operations, which challenged crews to deploy a ground ladder and advance firefighters to a roof; and water supply and truck operations, where teams established a water source and supplied an aerial ladder truck.
The competition concluded with the Barrel Push, a hose-line challenge in which teams used charged streams to push a suspended barrel toward the opposing side while friends and family cheered them on.
The event also included support from several neighboring departments. Chief officers from the Ashland Fire Department, Framingham Fire Department, Maynard Fire Department, Medway Fire Department and Sherborn Fire & Rescue Department volunteered as neutral judges.
Organizers said the evening highlighted not only the competitive spirit among companies, but also the camaraderie and mutual respect shared across the region’s fire service.
The department congratulated all participating personnel for their skill, sportsmanship and pride as the Deputy’s Cup officially returned after several years away.
