Providing Public Service to Our Friends and Neighbors In The Community Since 1904

Lake Effect Firefighter Ski Race- 4th Edition
January 9th-Ellicottville NY

    Over 400 participants took part in the 10th Annual Jeep-HoliMont Ski-Scape on Sunday January 6th at HoliMont
Ski Resort in Ellicottville NY. More then 85 of those participants were firefighters from the area, as well as 3 other
counties, another state and country who took part in the 4th Annual Lake Effect Firefighter Ski Race.
    Firefighters from Armor, Scranton, Orchard Park, Hillcrest, North Boston, Boston, West Valley (Catt. County),
Getzville, Wilson (Niagara County), North Warren (PA), Alfred Station (Allegany County), and Milton
(Ontario Canada) raced through the fog to compete for the top prize.
    Firefighter teams consisting of 4 firefighters donned in full fire protective gear weaved through the gates,
while stretching a 50ft length of 1 3/4" hose. First ones to the bottom wins!
Skiers and spectators alike enjoyed spring like conditions in January, as the temperatures popped into the mid
40's. With the mild temperatures, came an additional challenge; FOG! The Foggy conditions, combined with the
tight course proved to be a challenge for all. Spectators caught a glimpse of skiers emerging from the fog, and
cheers erupted. Among those cheering firefighters on were Channel 2 Personalities Heather Ly and Liz Vetrano.
Click on their names to check out their Blogs for their 'first hand experience'
    With limited visibility, and the challenging conditions, firefighters proved once again, we like it tough! Team
work gets the job done, and time after time, the firefighters participating overcame their own adversities to finish
the course. Competition was fierce as crews demonstrated great teamwork and communication trying to navigate
the aggressive course. All the teams had a great time while demonstrating great sportsmanship and camaraderie.
    After emerging from the fog like the Loch Ness Monster, firefighters from Milton Ontario took home the top spot,
 over  2 seconds faster then the rest of the field. For the first time in event history, the First Place trophy would
have to be claimed when the team of firefighters head back to their country with the hardware. Milton's name will
be added to the plaque that hangs in the Kids Escaping Drugs Office, joining teams from Ellicottville and North Boston,
as  Lake Effect Firefighter Ski Race Champions!
    The event proves to be a local kid favorite, as they get to ride up the lifts and hang out with the firefighters between
runs. Every year the crowds that gather are more and more interested and amused at the whole concept.
    For more info, or to get on the mailing list for the 5th Annual Lake Effect Firefighter Ski Race scheduled for Sunday
January 4, 2009, email LakeEffectFirefighterSkiRace@verizon.net .
    All proceeds raised goes to the Kids Escaping Drugs Campus, which supports the Renaissance Campus, a long term
residential treatment facility for teens with drug and/or alcohol addictions. The facility consists of 62 patient beds. 
Renaissance House is a 30 bed in patient facility for boys; Stepping Stones is a 16 bed facility for girls, which
combines in patient and half way programs; Promise House is a 16 bed half way house for boys. The Campus’ average
age is 15 years old, but can accept teens from 12 to 21 years of age.
    Something new in 2008, firefighters competed for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the Individual Competition.
Results for the races.
                                                                            Firefighter Individual Race

The more snowboarders we get to participate, we will move to have separate awards for the
snowboarding category. Talk it up to get more snowboarders involved next year!

2008 Lake Effect Firefighter Ski Race Results

            Individual Races                        

To Find out more about the Kids Escaping Drugs, visit www.ked.org .