Students ran with hoses, hoisted sledgehammers, shimmied through small spaces while wearing air packs the size of backpacks—it was a test of strength and a cardio challenge that had real-life urgency. That was one of the points of Trial by Fire—a fitness unit created and hosted by members of the four firehouses that serve the District: Vista, South Salem, Goldens Bridge and Katonah Fire Departments.

This is the second year that the four area fire departments have teamed up to present this two-day event.

The relay race of challenges was not only fun, it gave students a first-hand look at the strength, endurance, agility and flexibility of firefighting requires.

“We practice these things,” said Laurie DeRosa, a captain with the Katonah Fire Department, who ran the event. “In a fire emergency, every second counts.”

Students also had an opportunity to speak with the firefighters about volunteer opportunities. Two John Jay students who are already involved helped run the program—Austin Llewellyn, a sophomore, who is a “Venture” member of the South Salem Fire Department, and John Becker, a senior, who is an engineer with Katonah Fire Department.

“We created Trial by Fire to introduce students to firefighting skills,” said Captain De Rosa. “We’re also all-volunteer departments. We want to inspire young people to give back to their community.”