Gold medal win sets new world record for firefighter from Brampton at combat challenge

Beating her best has won another world record title and a gold medal for Brampton firefighter Katie Ross at an international firefighting competition.

While many Bramptonians were celebrating the Canada Day holiday this past weekend, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services members were in the U.S. putting their skills to the test for the 2024 Firefighter Challenge Midwest Regional Classic.

Part of the Firefighter Challenge League series, the competition sees firefighters from around the world face off in a skills-based challenge course that includes a high-rise pack carry, hose heist, forcible entry and a victim rescue.

Already holding the world record, BFES firefighter Katherine Ross set a new global best with a time of 1:56.17 and took first place at the Midwest Region Classic.

This year’s wins follows a 12-medal performance in 2023 for BFES and Ross at the 2023 FireFit Championships winning Gold with teammate Jason Woodford in the Tech 2 challenge and a Bronze in the Mixed Relay along with Woodford and BFES members Brandon Graves and Matthew Webster. Ross was also the Female Individual Champion at the regional Port Elgin and Windsor events.

Brampton has a storied history at firefighting competitions, including historic wins at the Firefighter Combat Challenge in 1996, 1998 and 1999, Several BFES members have been inducted into the FireFit Championships Hall of Fame.