Miller Place F.D.'s 'Extinguishers' Put Out the Competition

For the third time in the six years that they've been competing, Miller Place Fire Department's drill team – The Extinguishers – took home fire place in a statewide fire drill competition.

Held in upstate New York for the first time – it's typically held on Long Island – the squad, comprised of about 20 men and women in the fire department, earned 32 out of a possible 40 points in the eight-drill competition. Each drill – including foot races, hose handling, ladder climbing, and bucket brigade – earns up to five points.

"It's just the hard work that's put into the practice and the dedication of the guys and girls" that can be attributed to the repeated success, said the department's Third Assistant Chief, Rick Batchelder.

While Batchelder was part of the squad, Capt. Justin Chichi led the team, which met twice a week over the summer to practice drills, competed in other competitive drills over the summer and traveled up to Spencerport this past weekend.

The squad took home the state trophy in 2010, 2011, and now 2013. This year, Miller Place traveled upstate with Rocky Point's team, which finished in fourth place with 15 points. Point Pleasant earned 28 points, Main Transit earned 25, and Henrietta rounded out the top five with 11 points.