‘Fire Truck Challenge’ to help Partnership’s recovery efforts

MADISON – Partnership for a Drug-Free Community and Madison Fire and Rescue Department are joining forces in a unique way to bring attention to substance use problems that our community faces.

The second annual “Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge” will help in raising funds to provide services to individuals who are looking for help and want to start a program of recovery.

The event will be held on Nov. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Madison City Schools Stadium, 211 Celtic Drive.

The 2022 Pullin’ for Partnership Fire Truck Challenge will involve teams of 10 competing for bragging rights, trophies and a chance to prove they have the strength and stamina to pull a 46,000-pound fire truck with a rope for a length of 100 feet. This community event will include youth activities and a couple of food trucks.

Brandy Williams, Madison Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief, said the department is supporting the “Pullin’ for Partnership” event because, as first responders, they see the impact of the opioid and fentanyl crises almost daily.

“I think most people are very aware that we have a serious substance use crisis, and too many are dying, so anything we can do to bring awareness to programs that help address it, from trying to prevent it to helping those who have an addiction, it is a positive for our city and community,” Williams said.

“Plus, this event is a rare opportunity for people to be able to say they pulled a fire truck with a rope,” Williams said. The department will have strict safety protocols to ensure a fun event for everyone.

“The fire truck pull can be a great team-building exercise and a fun stress-buster,” Wendy Reeves said. Reeves is Executive Director of Partnership for a Drug-Free Community.

“But it’s the reason we’re doing it that’s so important. As tough as our current substance use challenge is, we see this as a great way to show those who may be struggling with addiction and maintaining their sobriety that there are many people ‘pulling’ for them to get better and lead healthier lives,” Reeves said.

The truck pull also is a reminder that Partnership’s Recovery Resource Hub is a key way to get help, even for those with no resources at all, because all the services are free, Reeves said.

Registration fee for a team is $250. Any donation to the nonprofit is tax-deductible. All proceeds will support Partnership for a Drug-Free Community’s programs, which are in high demand with the opioid, fentanyl and vaping epidemics.

“Partnership appreciates the support from the City of Madison and Madison City Schools to create this event,” Reeves said. Other event sponsors include the City of Huntsville, Adtran, Colsa Corporation, Geraldine Gibbs, Huntsville Housing Authority and Huntsville Havoc.

For event rules and registration forms, call 256-539-7339, email info@thedrugfreepartnership.org or visit partnershipforadrug-freecommunity.org.