LRFD Volunteers Complete 2026 Firefighter Agility Test

Two firefighters in gear, one holding a clipboard and the other inspecting a tire, possibly during a training exercise at night.
A firefighter carrying a ladder near a fire truck at night, with vehicles and a traffic cone also visible in the background.
A firefighter in gear is carrying a large tire at night, focusing on their task under dim lighting.
Two firefighters in gear walk together at night, one holding a clipboard and the other with an air tank and hose.
A firefighter carries a ladder away from a fire truck at night, preparing for emergency response.
Firefighters in gear examine a tire on the ground at night, with a fire truck and other personnel visible in the background.
A firefighter in gear is striking a tire with a tool at night, with a nearby vehicle and a traffic cone visible.
Firefighters at night are responding to a situation, equipped with gear and a ladder, near emergency vehicles and storage tanks.
Firefighters are at night, setting up equipment, including a ladder, near fire trucks. Safety gear is visible on all personnel.
Firefighters and others are gathered outside a building at night, possibly for training or an event.
A firefighter stands on a platform at night, overlooking a fire truck with a logo and orange rescue rope hanging down.
A firefighter in gear is carrying a hose at night, while another person observes with a clipboard nearby.
Two firefighters in gear are maneuvering a ladder in an outdoor setting, likely at a fire station or training area during the night.
Two firefighters in gear walk with buckets, while another stands nearby, illuminated by nighttime lights.
A firefighter descends a metal staircase beside a red training structure at night, surrounded by trees.
A firefighter stands on a roof platform at night, next to a bright red truck featuring a local fire department emblem.
A firefighter stands on a platform with railings at night, wearing safety gear and using a communication device.
Firefighters in gear are carrying buckets outside a fire station at night, possibly preparing for a training exercise.
A firefighter in gear is handling a ladder at night, near a fire truck. Safety equipment is visible on their uniform.
A firefighter in gear carries a ladder at night, with other firefighters visible in the background.
Two firefighters are working together at night, one carrying a ladder while wearing gear, with a fire truck and vehicle in the background.
The image shows firefighters in protective gear, one using a ladder while another prepares for action.
A firefighter is striking a tire with a hammer during a training exercise, while another person observes with a clipboard.
Two firefighters in gear, one holding a clipboard and the other carrying a large tire at night, with traffic cones nearby.
A firefighter in gear stands on top of a structure at night, with a ladder and equipment visible. A logo is on the side.
A firefighter in full gear is preparing to strike a tire with a sledgehammer at night.
Firefighters in protective gear carry buckets at night, preparing for a response or training activity.
A firefighter in gear descends a metallic staircase at night, illuminated by equipment.
Firefighters are seen handling a tire in a dimly lit area, with reflective gear and safety cones visible in the background.
Firefighters in gear are working together, handling equipment outside a fire station at night.
A firefighter in protective gear stands on a platform at night, preparing equipment or assessing the situation.
Two firefighters in gear are carrying a ladder outside of a fire station, preparing for an operation.
A firefighter in uniform, carrying equipment, walks on a wet surface near a fire truck and bystanders.
Two individuals are talking at night; one wears a firefighter's uniform and helmet, while the other is casually dressed.
A firefighter, dressed in gear and a helmet, is working on a platform in a dark environment, focused on a task.
Three firefighters in helmets and gear are working together, possibly handling equipment or responding to an emergency.
Two firefighters in gear are maneuvering outside a fire station at night, with emergency vehicles visible in the background.
Two firefighters in protective gear are working together to lift a large tire at night, with lighting illuminating the scene.
A firefighter in gear working on a ladder at night, focused on a task with safety equipment in use.
A firefighter in gear, standing next to a ladder, with safety equipment and a flashlight, ready for action.
A firefighter in full gear operates a ladder on a fire truck at night, with cars visible in the background.
Two firefighters in gear are looking up, one adjusting a rope on a ladder, emphasizing teamwork and preparation for a task.
A firefighter in a dark environment, wearing gear and holding a flashlight, is preparing for action. Emergency vehicles are in the background.
A firefighter in gear carries a hose at night, while other personnel observe nearby by a fire truck.
A firefighter is carrying a ladder at night, with other emergency personnel visible in the background.
Two firefighters in protective gear are practicing with a fire hose at night, one is kneeling and spraying water.
May contain: helmet, clothing, hardhat, person, adult, male, man, and people
A firefighter in gear prepares a hose at night, with a fire truck illuminated in the background. Safety cones are present.
A person in a hard hat is handling a ladder near a fire truck at night, wearing safety gear and gloves.
A firefighter in gear is working with ropes or equipment, showcasing dedication and readiness for emergency response.
A firefighter in gear is handling a large tire in a dimly lit environment, possibly during training or a drill.
Firefighters in safety gear are working together, focusing on a task involving ropes and equipment. Their teamwork is evident.
A firefighter in gear stands on a raised platform at night, preparing equipment for a task or training. Safety measures visible.
A firefighter in gear is swinging a tool, possibly during a training exercise, in a dark outdoor setting.
A person in a yellow hard hat is holding a metal ladder, wearing gloves, in a dark setting.
A person in a hard hat and gloves is lifting a tire in low light, possibly during a training or emergency response exercise.
A firefighter handling a large tire in a dark, outdoor setting.
Firefighters in protective gear carrying buckets, working at night, with others standing nearby. Safety cones visible.
A person in safety gear stands on a platform, overlooking the area, with equipment and tools around them at night.
Three firefighters in helmets and gear focus on a ladder at night, with an emergency vehicle visible in the background.
A group of firefighters in uniforms and helmets are gathered, with one clapping and others engaged in conversation.
Two firefighters are working at a station; one is carrying a tire while the other holds a clipboard. A fire truck is in the background.
A person in a hard hat descends metal stairs at night, equipped with safety gear and gear attached to their waist.
A figure in firefighter gear stands near a fire truck at night, with a traffic cone in the foreground and a hose on the ground.
A person in a hard hat and gloves works on a ladder, inspecting equipment, possibly in a training or emergency response setting.
A firefighter in gear operates a rope, focused on a task, with a ladder and other personnel in a dimly lit setting.
An individual in firefighting gear works with a large, dark object in a dimly lit environment. Safety and focus are key.
Two firefighters are working together to lift a ladder from a fire truck at night. Safety gear is visible.
A person in a hard hat swings a tool towards a tire, while another in firefighter gear observes in a darkened area.
A firefighter in gear operates equipment near a traffic cone at night, while another observes nearby, likely during training.
A firefighter in gear handling a large tire, with emergency vehicles in the background, during a nighttime operation.
Two firefighters, one with a hose and one holding a clipboard, are engaged in a nighttime operation.
A firefighter in gear, wearing a helmet, works on a harness or equipment at night, focused on the task at hand.
A person in a hard hat walks on a wet surface, with emergency responders and equipment visible in the background.
The image shows two firefighters, one focused on equipment while the other looks on. Both are in protective gear.
Two firefighters, one adjusting a ladder and another observing, with fire trucks in the background at night. Safety gear evident.
May contain: helmet, adult, male, man, and person
A firefighter wearing a helmet and safety gear smiles while handling equipment, with another person in the background.
A firefighter in protective gear working on a platform at night, holding equipment and securing ropes.
Two firefighters are working at night, one using a tool on a tire while the other observes and takes notes.
Firefighters in gear are walking outside, carrying containers and preparing for a task at night.
A person wearing a helmet and gloves appears to be working with a tire inside a fire station, with fire trucks in the background.
A firefighter in gear carries a hose towards a fire truck at night, while another firefighter stands nearby.
A firefighter in gear is handling a ladder at night, while another individual appears to be holding a clipboard nearby.
A firefighter in gear works at night, focusing on a rope while on a raised platform, highlighting safety and rescue efforts.
Two people are working at night, one swinging a hammer at a tire while the other observes, wearing fire gear.
Firefighters are gathered, focused on a task involving a ladder and equipment at night, showcasing teamwork and safety preparation.
A firefighter in gear is positioned on a platform at night, possibly preparing for a task or observation.
A firefighter is shown using a tool while another person holds a clipboard, likely during a night training exercise.
A person in safety gear on a raised platform is handling a yellow fire hose under low light conditions.
A person wearing a helmet carries a large tire while another person in safety gear holds a clipboard, in a dark setting.
The image shows two firefighters, one in protective gear and another carrying buckets, in a training or emergency situation.
A firefighter is atop a platform at night, holding a harness and standing next to a coiled hose.
A person in gear is preparing to strike a tire on the ground, while another individual observes and takes notes.
A firefighter in gear lifts a tire in a dimly lit garage, with fire trucks and equipment in the background.
Firefighters and a volunteer are training, handling a ladder, in a well-lit area with emergency vehicles in the background.
A firefighter in gear is advancing with a hose near a firetruck, illuminated at night with safety cones present.
The image shows a firefighter in a helmet with a reflective visor, focusing on a task, showcasing dedication and bravery.
A group of firefighters in protective gear stands together at night, with safety cones and containers nearby.
A firefighter in a yellow helmet carries a ladder at night, wearing safety gear and a harness.
A firefighter in gear is dragging a hose at night, with emergency vehicles in the background and safety cones near the scene.
May contain: clothing, hardhat, helmet, glove, adult, male, man, person, and worker
A person in a hard hat and safety gear is working on a metal structure at night, focused on their task.
A firefighter in gear smiling while carrying a ladder at night, demonstrating readiness and teamwork in emergency response.
A person with a headlamp and gloves is handling a rope, wearing a work shirt, with a visible tattoo on their arm.
A firefighter in gear is carrying equipment at night, illustrating their readiness to respond to emergencies.
A firefighter prepares equipment near a fire truck, with another firefighter nearby holding a clipboard, in a nighttime setting.
A firefighter in full gear, wearing a helmet, focuses intently while using equipment in a training or emergency scenario.
A firefighter trains at night, using a hose to spray water while another supervises, ensuring safety and technique.
A firefighter training scene at night, with two individuals managing a fire hose and equipment in a dark environment.
A firefighter in protective gear is training or working at night, lifting an object, possibly a tire, on a dark surface.
Two firefighters in gear, one holding a clipboard and the other inspecting a tire, possibly during a training exercise at night.
A firefighter carrying a ladder near a fire truck at night, with vehicles and a traffic cone also visible in the background.
A firefighter in gear is carrying a large tire at night, focusing on their task under dim lighting.
Two firefighters in gear walk together at night, one holding a clipboard and the other with an air tank and hose.
A firefighter carries a ladder away from a fire truck at night, preparing for emergency response.
Firefighters in gear examine a tire on the ground at night, with a fire truck and other personnel visible in the background.
A firefighter in gear is striking a tire with a tool at night, with a nearby vehicle and a traffic cone visible.
Firefighters at night are responding to a situation, equipped with gear and a ladder, near emergency vehicles and storage tanks.
Firefighters are at night, setting up equipment, including a ladder, near fire trucks. Safety gear is visible on all personnel.
Firefighters and others are gathered outside a building at night, possibly for training or an event.
A firefighter stands on a platform at night, overlooking a fire truck with a logo and orange rescue rope hanging down.
A firefighter in gear is carrying a hose at night, while another person observes with a clipboard nearby.
Two firefighters in gear are maneuvering a ladder in an outdoor setting, likely at a fire station or training area during the night.
Two firefighters in gear walk with buckets, while another stands nearby, illuminated by nighttime lights.
A firefighter descends a metal staircase beside a red training structure at night, surrounded by trees.
A firefighter stands on a roof platform at night, next to a bright red truck featuring a local fire department emblem.
A firefighter stands on a platform with railings at night, wearing safety gear and using a communication device.
Firefighters in gear are carrying buckets outside a fire station at night, possibly preparing for a training exercise.
A firefighter in gear is handling a ladder at night, near a fire truck. Safety equipment is visible on their uniform.
A firefighter in gear carries a ladder at night, with other firefighters visible in the background.
Two firefighters are working together at night, one carrying a ladder while wearing gear, with a fire truck and vehicle in the background.
The image shows firefighters in protective gear, one using a ladder while another prepares for action.
A firefighter is striking a tire with a hammer during a training exercise, while another person observes with a clipboard.
Two firefighters in gear, one holding a clipboard and the other carrying a large tire at night, with traffic cones nearby.
A firefighter in gear stands on top of a structure at night, with a ladder and equipment visible. A logo is on the side.
A firefighter in full gear is preparing to strike a tire with a sledgehammer at night.
Firefighters in protective gear carry buckets at night, preparing for a response or training activity.
A firefighter in gear descends a metallic staircase at night, illuminated by equipment.
Firefighters are seen handling a tire in a dimly lit area, with reflective gear and safety cones visible in the background.
Firefighters in gear are working together, handling equipment outside a fire station at night.
A firefighter in protective gear stands on a platform at night, preparing equipment or assessing the situation.
Two firefighters in gear are carrying a ladder outside of a fire station, preparing for an operation.
A firefighter in uniform, carrying equipment, walks on a wet surface near a fire truck and bystanders.
Two individuals are talking at night; one wears a firefighter's uniform and helmet, while the other is casually dressed.
A firefighter, dressed in gear and a helmet, is working on a platform in a dark environment, focused on a task.
Three firefighters in helmets and gear are working together, possibly handling equipment or responding to an emergency.
Two firefighters in gear are maneuvering outside a fire station at night, with emergency vehicles visible in the background.
Two firefighters in protective gear are working together to lift a large tire at night, with lighting illuminating the scene.
A firefighter in gear working on a ladder at night, focused on a task with safety equipment in use.
A firefighter in gear, standing next to a ladder, with safety equipment and a flashlight, ready for action.
A firefighter in full gear operates a ladder on a fire truck at night, with cars visible in the background.
Two firefighters in gear are looking up, one adjusting a rope on a ladder, emphasizing teamwork and preparation for a task.
A firefighter in a dark environment, wearing gear and holding a flashlight, is preparing for action. Emergency vehicles are in the background.
A firefighter in gear carries a hose at night, while other personnel observe nearby by a fire truck.
A firefighter is carrying a ladder at night, with other emergency personnel visible in the background.
Two firefighters in protective gear are practicing with a fire hose at night, one is kneeling and spraying water.
May contain: helmet, clothing, hardhat, person, adult, male, man, and people
A firefighter in gear prepares a hose at night, with a fire truck illuminated in the background. Safety cones are present.
A person in a hard hat is handling a ladder near a fire truck at night, wearing safety gear and gloves.
A firefighter in gear is working with ropes or equipment, showcasing dedication and readiness for emergency response.
A firefighter in gear is handling a large tire in a dimly lit environment, possibly during training or a drill.
Firefighters in safety gear are working together, focusing on a task involving ropes and equipment. Their teamwork is evident.
A firefighter in gear stands on a raised platform at night, preparing equipment for a task or training. Safety measures visible.
A firefighter in gear is swinging a tool, possibly during a training exercise, in a dark outdoor setting.
A person in a yellow hard hat is holding a metal ladder, wearing gloves, in a dark setting.
A person in a hard hat and gloves is lifting a tire in low light, possibly during a training or emergency response exercise.
A firefighter handling a large tire in a dark, outdoor setting.
Firefighters in protective gear carrying buckets, working at night, with others standing nearby. Safety cones visible.
A person in safety gear stands on a platform, overlooking the area, with equipment and tools around them at night.
Three firefighters in helmets and gear focus on a ladder at night, with an emergency vehicle visible in the background.
A group of firefighters in uniforms and helmets are gathered, with one clapping and others engaged in conversation.
Two firefighters are working at a station; one is carrying a tire while the other holds a clipboard. A fire truck is in the background.
A person in a hard hat descends metal stairs at night, equipped with safety gear and gear attached to their waist.
A figure in firefighter gear stands near a fire truck at night, with a traffic cone in the foreground and a hose on the ground.
A person in a hard hat and gloves works on a ladder, inspecting equipment, possibly in a training or emergency response setting.
A firefighter in gear operates a rope, focused on a task, with a ladder and other personnel in a dimly lit setting.
An individual in firefighting gear works with a large, dark object in a dimly lit environment. Safety and focus are key.
Two firefighters are working together to lift a ladder from a fire truck at night. Safety gear is visible.
A person in a hard hat swings a tool towards a tire, while another in firefighter gear observes in a darkened area.
A firefighter in gear operates equipment near a traffic cone at night, while another observes nearby, likely during training.
A firefighter in gear handling a large tire, with emergency vehicles in the background, during a nighttime operation.
Two firefighters, one with a hose and one holding a clipboard, are engaged in a nighttime operation.
A firefighter in gear, wearing a helmet, works on a harness or equipment at night, focused on the task at hand.
A person in a hard hat walks on a wet surface, with emergency responders and equipment visible in the background.
The image shows two firefighters, one focused on equipment while the other looks on. Both are in protective gear.
Two firefighters, one adjusting a ladder and another observing, with fire trucks in the background at night. Safety gear evident.
May contain: helmet, adult, male, man, and person
A firefighter wearing a helmet and safety gear smiles while handling equipment, with another person in the background.
A firefighter in protective gear working on a platform at night, holding equipment and securing ropes.
Two firefighters are working at night, one using a tool on a tire while the other observes and takes notes.
Firefighters in gear are walking outside, carrying containers and preparing for a task at night.
A person wearing a helmet and gloves appears to be working with a tire inside a fire station, with fire trucks in the background.
A firefighter in gear carries a hose towards a fire truck at night, while another firefighter stands nearby.
A firefighter in gear is handling a ladder at night, while another individual appears to be holding a clipboard nearby.
A firefighter in gear works at night, focusing on a rope while on a raised platform, highlighting safety and rescue efforts.
Two people are working at night, one swinging a hammer at a tire while the other observes, wearing fire gear.
Firefighters are gathered, focused on a task involving a ladder and equipment at night, showcasing teamwork and safety preparation.
A firefighter in gear is positioned on a platform at night, possibly preparing for a task or observation.
A firefighter is shown using a tool while another person holds a clipboard, likely during a night training exercise.
A person in safety gear on a raised platform is handling a yellow fire hose under low light conditions.
A person wearing a helmet carries a large tire while another person in safety gear holds a clipboard, in a dark setting.
The image shows two firefighters, one in protective gear and another carrying buckets, in a training or emergency situation.
A firefighter is atop a platform at night, holding a harness and standing next to a coiled hose.
A person in gear is preparing to strike a tire on the ground, while another individual observes and takes notes.
A firefighter in gear lifts a tire in a dimly lit garage, with fire trucks and equipment in the background.
Firefighters and a volunteer are training, handling a ladder, in a well-lit area with emergency vehicles in the background.
A firefighter in gear is advancing with a hose near a firetruck, illuminated at night with safety cones present.
The image shows a firefighter in a helmet with a reflective visor, focusing on a task, showcasing dedication and bravery.
A group of firefighters in protective gear stands together at night, with safety cones and containers nearby.
A firefighter in a yellow helmet carries a ladder at night, wearing safety gear and a harness.
A firefighter in gear is dragging a hose at night, with emergency vehicles in the background and safety cones near the scene.
May contain: clothing, hardhat, helmet, glove, adult, male, man, person, and worker
A person in a hard hat and safety gear is working on a metal structure at night, focused on their task.
A firefighter in gear smiling while carrying a ladder at night, demonstrating readiness and teamwork in emergency response.
A person with a headlamp and gloves is handling a rope, wearing a work shirt, with a visible tattoo on their arm.
A firefighter in gear is carrying equipment at night, illustrating their readiness to respond to emergencies.
A firefighter prepares equipment near a fire truck, with another firefighter nearby holding a clipboard, in a nighttime setting.
A firefighter in full gear, wearing a helmet, focuses intently while using equipment in a training or emergency scenario.
A firefighter trains at night, using a hose to spray water while another supervises, ensuring safety and technique.
A firefighter training scene at night, with two individuals managing a fire hose and equipment in a dark environment.
A firefighter in protective gear is training or working at night, lifting an object, possibly a tire, on a dark surface.

On March 5, 2026, volunteers with the Lookingglass Rural Fire District (LRFD) gathered for the department’s annual Firefighter Agility Test. This test is designed to simulate real tasks firefighters face on the fireground and helps ensure volunteers can safely and effectively perform under physically demanding conditions.

The LRFD agility test includes a series of stations that replicate common fireground operations:

75-Foot Farmer’s Carry
Volunteers carry two 5-gallon buckets of foam 75 feet to simulate transporting tools and equipment across a fire scene.

24-Foot Extension Ladder Carry (50 ft)
A firefighter removes a 24-foot extension ladder from the ladder rack on our first-out engine, carries it 50 feet, and re-racks it alone. This simulates retrieving and handling ladders when operating with limited staffing.

Extension Ladder Raise & Fly Raise
The ladder is raised to a structure and the fly section extended fully before being lowered again. This simulates deploying ground ladders during emergency operations when additional personnel may not yet be on scene.

Sledgehammer Tire Hits
Ten strikes with an 8-pound sledgehammer simulate the physical effort required when opening roofs or floors during fire suppression operations.

Stair Climb & Tool Hoist
After climbing a flight of stairs, volunteers hoist a 50-foot section of rolled 2½-inch structural hose and then lower it back down unassisted, simulating raising tools and equipment to elevated locations during fire operations.

Charged Hose Drag & Target Hit
Volunteers drag 50 feet of charged 1¾-inch structural hose and then operate the nozzle to hit a target with the hose stream before safely placing the nozzle on the ground. A 50-foot section of 1¾-inch hose filled with water averages between 50–70 pounds, making it significantly more difficult to move once charged. This event simulates moving charged hoselines on an active fireground where staffing may be limited—particularly for first-arriving units that must begin working quickly to mitigate the fire risk while awaiting additional units and mutual aid.

Tire Flip
A large tire is flipped 50 feet to simulate lifting and moving victims or heavy objects during rescue operations.

Rescue Drag
Normally completed with a rescue dummy, this year the event was completed by dragging a weighted pallet while our training dummy is currently out of service.

All events must be completed in a controlled and safe manner while wearing full structural turnout gear and an SCBA pack. On average, structural turnout gear and SCBA together weigh between 45 and 60 pounds. In addition to the weight, turnout gear traps body heat and limits natural cooling, making the physical demands of the course even more challenging—conditions firefighters often face during real emergency operations.

Teamwork and Determination

One of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s agility test was the wide range of experience among our volunteers. Some participants are brand new and have not yet completed the requirements to be issued turnout gear. For many of them, this was their first time handling structural ladders or operating a hose line, yet they stepped up and gave it their best effort.

Throughout the event, something else stood out about the LRFD team. Even after volunteers completed their run and were tired, no one left and no one stood quietly on the sidelines. Instead, the night air was filled with cheers and encouragement for fellow firefighters. Volunteers pushed each other to keep going and finish strong, supporting their brothers and sisters through every station of the course.

Requirement for Interior Fire Operations

This agility course is now a requirement for volunteers who wish to participate in interior structural fire operations with LRFD.

To operate inside a structure fire environment, volunteers must meet several standards, including:

  • Completion of NFPA Firefighter 1 coursework and skills
  • Completion of a DPSST Firefighter 1 Task Book
  • Successful completion of a Task Performance Evaluation
  • Completion of the LRFD Agility Course in under 8 minutes

Many people initially look at the course and assume it will be easy. Once they attempt it in full turnout gear and SCBA, most quickly realize how demanding the event truly is.

2026 Fastest Time

This year the fastest completion time was 3 minutes and 21 seconds, set by Engineer Trainee Beau Cummins. Beau joined LRFD after gaining experience with DFPA and is currently working toward becoming a smokejumper. His performance demonstrated both strong conditioning and excellent technique.

Volunteers of All Backgrounds

Not everyone who took the course was required to do so. Some participants were LRFD cadets who are under 18 and cannot participate in live interior fire operations, while others were support personnel who have no intention of operating interior. However, after seeing their fellow volunteers attempt the course, they stepped up and completed it anyway simply to challenge themselves and support the team.

No One Quit

One thing stood out above everything else this year: every volunteer who started the agility test finished it. Not a single person quit.

While some participants did not meet the qualifying time required for interior structural firefighting, every individual pushed themselves through the entire course and completed every station. That determination speaks volumes about the type of team serving the Lookingglass community.

LRFD will continue working with volunteers on technique, standards, and fireground operations, ensuring knowledge and training continue to grow throughout the department. The goal is to help every volunteer improve their skills, build confidence, and continue progressing in their ability to serve the community.

The Lookingglass Rural Fire District is proud of the dedication shown by its volunteers and looks forward to continuing to train, improve, and grow together in service to the Lookingglass community.