Liberec hosts 21st Manhattan Memorial firefighter competition

The 21st Manhattan Memorial was held in Liberec, Czech Republic, to honor first responders who lost their lives or suffered health complications following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York.

This year’s competition featured a more demanding format than previous editions. Participants first completed a strength-based multi-event inspired by Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) disciplines, including barrier crossings and hammer strikes. Unlike previous years, competitors moved directly from the outdoor strength course into the regional authority building without a break.

Teams climbed to the 21st floor while carrying heavy equipment, including 18-meter hoses and breathing apparatus, before navigating a simulated debris obstacle in darkness. The race concluded on the 17th-floor terrace. In the Professional category, Zdeněk Vrána and Aleš Zeman of the Liberec Regional Fire Rescue Service won with a time of 8 minutes and 44 seconds. In the Memorial category, Honza Bartoš and Jan Král from the Liberec Regional Emergency Medical Service were the fastest.