Published: August 02, 2008 08:24 am      

Mechanical problems shorten competition between firemen

BOSWELL — The firefighters’ competition Friday in Boswell was short-lived when one of two teams participating was unable compete because of mechanical problems with its truck.

Volunteers from Listie defeated the crew from Jennerstown in the “Rural Water Movement” event.

The Boswell Volunteer Fire Department held the event at the fireman’s Grove during the 100th anniversary of Somerset County.

Trouble with a pumper valve kept Jennerstown from completing the competition – a race to knock over a bowling pin with water pumped from a portable tank – event coordinator and Boswell firefighter Chad Snyder said.

“This is the time to get the problem fixed and not at a fire,” Jennerstown firefighter Harry Ruffing said.

Listie fire Capt. Justin Yachere complimented his crew.

“It’s all teamwork,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

The celebration continues today with the kitchen opining at noon and the “Jacob’s Brothers” performing at 1:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church. A parade starts at 6 with fireworks after dark. Rocky 99 will do live broadcasts from 5 to 7 p.m. with the band “Itch” playing at 7.