Dean Williams is the toughest firefighter alive.
Well, OK, the second-toughest.Williams, a captain in the West Valley City Fire Department, placed second in the "toughest firefighter alive" competition in the annual Firefighters Pan American Games, held in Las Vegas recently. Competing in the 40 and older age group, Williams also placed first in the javelin throw and fourth in the 100-meter dash.
More than 1,000 firefighters from the United States and Canada competed in the games.
To qualify as a tough firefighter, contestants carried a 50-pound load up four stories, ran 200 yards while carrying 170 pounds, and extended, rolled up and carried two 150-foot fire hoses, among other sweat-inducing endeavors.
"(The hose event) was a tough one because you're pulling so much," Williams said. "They weigh a lot, and you're going all out."
The final portion of the competition was the hardest: running to the top of the 26-story Sahara Hotel wearing a heavy, fireproof coat, helmet and air tanks weighing 25 pounds. Williams did it in less than three minutes.
Ute Stampede beauty selected
NEPHI - April Anderson, 18, St. George, daughter of Bob and Teresa Anderson, has been selected as 1993 Ute Stampede Bathing Beauty.
Angie Benson, Mona, the daughter of Doug and Joan Benson, took second place. Third place went to Misty Kay, Nephi, daughter of Rhonda Johnson, Nephi, and Ricky Kay, Mona.
Fourth place went to Kami Stephensen, daughter of Don and Karen Stephensen, Levan. Fifth place was won by Katie Carter, daughter of Karl and Helen Carter, Nephi.
Those with information for this column are invited to call Angelyn N. Hutchinson, Douglas D. Palmer or Chuck Gates at the Deseret News, 237-2100.