The Owego Susquehanna Hose Team #1 was victorious at the Central New York Firematic Hose Races last month in Cortland at the annual Central New York Firemen's convention. The team placed first in the ladder and straight lay competitions and second in the wye competition winning the overall points trophy with a total of 14 points.  

 Firematic hose races are timed events where firefighters test their skills. Five member teams must connect nozzles to hoses, hoses to hoses, and hoses to the fire hydrant and knock down targets in the quickest time. Hose races improve basic firefighting skills.  

 The team dedicated the win to Fallen Owego Firefighter Steve Gavin who was involved with firematic hose races for many years. Gavin suffered a heart attack and passed away while fighting a lumberyard fire last fall.  Three of Gavin's sons, Patrick, Timothy, and Danny are members of the Susquehanna #1 team. All raced on the same team as their father as recently as 2001. Other team members included long time hose team members Lou Striley and Scott Smith, and newcomer Todd Fink. 

 A second Owego team, Croton Hose #3, finished in second place overall with a total of 13 points.  Both teams donated their prize money totaling $375 to the Owego Fire Department Training Tower Fund in Gavin's memory. The Susquehanna Hose Team #1 is expected to defend the overall point's trophy again next year at the Central races which are to be held in Rome, New York, next July.