VIDEO: Firefighters competed head-to-head Tuesday in the first day of the firefighter challenge at the World Police and Fire Games. The event features an outdoor obstacle course where athletes wear full gear. Among the competitors were Christian Rittatore and Lt. Michael Coleman of the Memphis Fire Department. They share a bond beyond the competition.
โ(Coleman) trained me through the academy and during the academy, and we all didnโt like him,โ Rittatore said. โBut he ended up becoming a really good friend of ours and a mentor.โ Rittatore competed in the event for the first time, while Coleman has participated about 40 times. โI want to find where my boundaries are as far as how far I can push myself into the action, and I want to be the example for everyone in the field who wants to maybe do this one day,โ Coleman said.
