PHOTO GALLERY: MTI's First Responders Challenge

Three minutes and 16 seconds after the whistle was blown, Beau Smith-Kerr stood with his hands on his knees, in need of water and to shed his heavy attire.

Climbing six flights of stairs wearing a full fire suit, while carrying a fire hose, was one of a slew of obstacles Smith and more than 40 other hopefuls had to complete Nov. 16 to win the First Responders Challenge.

Oh, and they had to do it fast.

Tim Hyden, president of the MTI Alumni Association, organized the event he calls "the perfect way to show support for MTI and its students."

Three courses spread across the lawn Saturday at MTI's Lakewood Ranch campus. Competitors were invited to compete in all three, or just one, event, as long as they moved as fast as they possibly could.

Law enforcement enthusiasts raced up and down the side field, jumping over hurtles, while EMS competitors wheeled gurneys and resuscitated plastic victims at a quick pace.

The day commenced with an awards ceremony for the fastest times in each department.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].