Fort Oglethorpe Explorers Compete in Trussville, Alabama TRUSSVILLE, AL – Saturday, May 5, 2007 – What started out as a gloomy, rainy and very early morning ride to Trussville, Alabama turned into a beautiful day of fun for six explorers from Fort Oglethorpe Fire & Rescue Post 2305.  For the second year in a row, Fort Oglethorpe was invited to attend this competition in Trussville.   Although turnout was a little lighter than last year, most likely due to the weather overnight and into the early morning hours, there were still teams from 11 different departments.  Represented were: Center Point, AL Chelsea, AL Fort Oglethorpe, GA Helena, AL Hoover, AL Mobile, AL Montevallo, AL Peachtree City, GA Pelham, AL Trussville, AL Westwood Rescue, AL   The explorers competed in several events including a ladder raise, and the make and break where the four man team was required to couple three hose lines together, hook to the pump on an engine, attach the nozzle, stretch the completed hose line and knock down a cone with the water.  There was also competition in spinal immobilization and CPR.  Perhaps the most fun of all, however, was the bunker relay event.  Again, using a four man team, each member had to perform all of the tasks.  Team member one began by rapid dressing into full turnouts, picking up a hose roll and navigating through an obstacle course with it.  After dropping the hose roll the explorer picked up a charged hose and carried it several yards to a waiting roof ladder.  They then hoisted the ladder and carried it to the other end of the course only to find a K-12 saw and a bucket of foam.  After sitting the ladder down they picked up the saw and foam, carried both for a while, sat down the saw and continued carrying the foam until they came to a log and axe.  Picking up the axe they were required to strike the log thirty times.  After completing this portion, the explorer then had to crawl over makeshift roof beams and then enter a long tube.  Once they crawled through the tube they touched the hand of the next waiting member who then navigated the same course.   As the morning wound down, a helicopter from Lifesaver landed and everyone was given the opportunity to look around inside and ask questions of those on board.  Then the Trussville Fire Department treated everyone to lunch.  After lunch, trophies were given the various teams and certificates of participation were given to everyone.  The spirit of competition was keen but the most important thing was that everyone had a good time and the learning experience was great. Participating from Fort Oglethorpe F/R Explorer Post 2305 were Kaeli Ellison, Joseph James, Patrick Kellam, Tommy Loach, Robert Brown and Spencer Slatton.  Thanks to our advisors Captain Charles Correll and Corporal Chris Salter.    A special thank you goes out to all of the members of the Trussville Fire Department and the Trussville Explorers for the great job they did and the hard work that went into this event.