By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Members of the St. John the Baptist Parish Office of Fire Services won first and third place in the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association 2014 Competitive Drill in the spring.  

The competition, held in Marksville, concluded with the St. John Parish firefighters defeating more than 10 teams from across the state and unseating long-time victor Youngsville.   

The competition entailed a day of timed firefighter skills events aimed at duplicating the rigors firefighters face daily in the line of duty. The competition included hose drills, water transfer drills and equipment drills. 

Cain Dufrene, chief of operations with the St. John Parish Office of Fire Services, said competitions improve efforts for all members.

“When our members compete, they refine essential skills, allowing them to work more efficiently during emergencies,” Dufrene said. “This is a huge accomplishment.” 

St. John Parish firefighters who participated in the competition include Cameron Buccola, Michael Philpott, Travis Ettie, William Parker, Michael Moscona, Michael Whitcomb, Shaun Roach and Blaine Hayes.

“We are proud of our firefighters and applaud their competitive spirit and successes,” St. John Parish President Natalie Robottom said. “This was a great opportunity for others to see what we already know, that our firefighters are top notch.”