Firefighters prepare for world competition

Andy Holtmann

Friday, June 6, 1997 | 5:47 a.m.

The third annual International Firefighters' Games, opening Saturday at Cashman Field, will feature participants from around the world competing for the title of "World's Toughest Firefighter."

Opening ceremonies are scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday beginning with an antique fire truck and car parade. Fire demonstrations and live entertainment will also be featured in which firefighters will be showing off their equipment and tactics used in combating fires.

The competition, presented by Las Vegas Events, runs through Thursday. The "World's Toughest Firefighter" event will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday and will run through Tuesday.

Last year, local firefighter Donovan Hansen won top honors at the event held in Chicago. Hansen, 27, is in his third year on the North Las Vegas Fire Department.

"It feels real good to hold this title," said Hansen. "It is a great event and is free to the public. I think a lot of kids would really enjoy coming out."

Hansen plans to compete again this year and said Las Vegas teams once again have a strong chance of winning.

Accompanying the games are an additional 25 sports events that will be held throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Fire department teams from around the world will compete against each other in sports such as baseball, basketball and volleyball.

To close the games, a body building competition and firefighters party will be held at the Fremont Street Experience.

Clark County Firefighter Paramedic Scott Alaison, who is serving as the master of ceremonies for the parade, said most of the public focus for the event should be centered at Cashman Field.

"One of the great things about the main event is that the public can come and see what firefighters accomplish every day," said Alaison. "Anyone who has aspirations of being a firefighter can get a real up close and personal look at what we do."