In Alpena, a pair of local government officials took part in a firefighter agility drill as a way to support the men and women of local fire departments.

In early May, Alpena Mayor Matt Waligora and Alpena Township Supervisor Nathan Skibbe each tackled the agility course, which is set up similar to an obstacle course, where specific firefighting techniques and skills are required.

A friendly $1 wager was placed between the two men with the one with the quickest time collecting the cash.

For the exercise, Waligora and Skibbe were dressed in full firefighting gear, including the air tank,which makes the drill more challenging. They also had to utilize equipment such as chainsaws, sledgehammers, long ladders and large rolls of thick firehose. They also had to drag a large tractor tire across the facility, which simulated pulling a body out of danger.

Courtesy Photo Alpena Township Supervisor Nathan Skibbe runs down a flight of stairs carrying a bundle of fire hose while doing a firefighter agility drill earlier this month. Alpena Mayor Matt Waligora also did the drill, and both men said it was a challenge.

They did the drill with the help of a firefighting coach and to the cheers and encouragement of Alpena Fire Department staff who were at the station.

Waligora was the first to face the course, and Skibbe did so later, after learning about the mayor’s adventure. Skibbe said he decided to do it after being the victim of some ribbing by some other local government officials.

“After some lighthearted conversations with the mayor, it sort of snowballed to other officials razzing me, so I decided to do it,” Skibbe said. “Oh man, it is an extremely comprehensive course. Each task doesn’t seem that overwhelming, but when they are done in succession, it is a really good challenge.”

Waligora said he was invited by Alpena Fire Chief Bill Forbush to view the staff during the drills. He said he bounced the idea of doing the drill with them, to which Forbush agreed it was a good idea.

“Well, I just started puking out words and asked if I could do it,” Waligora joked. “Chief said, ‘Sure’, and it was way more encompassing than I thought. I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in, but to do those drills, in all the gear, is a testament to the men and women who have to do that during a fire.”

Courtesy Photo Alpena Mayor Matt Waligora pulls on firefighting gear during a firefighter agility drill early in May. He and Alpena Township Supervisor Nathan Skibbe both did the training and completed it under the recommended time.

Forbush said the drill is designed to help determine the physical fitness of emergency responders, and helps point out any deficiencies if they need more training, or time in the weight room.

He said both Waligora and Skibbe did well.

“I’m pleased to say they both passed and finished (in) under five minutes,” he said. “I’m sure they would have done even better if they had an opportunity to train more before. They both really did a tremendous job.”

After both men finished the drill, Skibbe posted a time of about 3 minutes, 50 seconds, while Waligora posted a time of 4 minutes, 21 seconds.

Skibbe said he completed the fire academy many years ago, but much has changed since then, as he said over time his physical fitness has slipped. He said beating Waligora’s time and taking his money was in the back of his mind, but his primary objective was to have fun and do the best he could.

“The mayor is in pretty good shape. He plays hockey, runs, and is very active,” Skibbe said. “I’ve been sitting behind a desk. Doing this actually spurred me to get into better shape and I think that was an important thing to take away from it.”

Skibbe happily collected his loot at the courthouse soon, and Waligora had a photo taken of the transaction to prove to others he paid off his bet.