The Good Doctor’s ‘Challenge’

? ?“The Firefighter Challenge: The Toughest Two Minutes in Sports

?-ESPN Announcer

?Dr. Paul Davis- a dear friend and creator of the Fire Fighter Challenge-died a few weeks ago after a brave fight with unexpected brain cancer. He was a firefighter, brilliant scholar, father, loving husband and a generous spirit. He was, in his late 70's, one of the most physically fit men around. He practiced what he preached. He revolutionized the physical testing procedures for firefighters. This is so critically important for new applicants to be able to do the physically challenging difficulties of doing the work. Before Dr. Davis’ evolution of tests, firefighter physical tests involved a cycle of pure strength and speed like push-ups, pull-ups, timed running of a quarter of a mile, and variations on the typical physical fitness theme. As a physiologist, Paul saw the need for firefighters to be able to do the actual work of the firefighter. He saw that if a firefighter was physically prepared to do that work then he/she would be much more effective and efficient in getting the job done: a job firefighters swear an oath to perform. I remember Paul telling me of one incident in which a fire officer had just rescued an unconscious citizen, but both were still trapped in a second story apartment after the room went to flashover (immediate and simultaneous fire engulfing the space they occupied) with only 10 minutes of air in his SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). The officer called a May Day, which thankfully, brought a strike team in to knock down the flames. This officer happened to be an avid participant of the Challenge and its regimen of exercises. He was able to wait longer for the rescue because his SCBA breathing air lasted longer. His efficiency in physical fitness saved his life and that of the citizen he rescued.?He later said that the fire fighter challenge saved both of their lives.

?“You Had Me at ‘Hello.’

I met Paul Davis in 1992 when I was Fire Commissioner in Woodinville, Washington. I was early on in trying to figure out how to market the fire service, and thanks to Chief Jim Davis, he saw the opportunity for the idea. One day I received a call from a citizen who noticed that “a strange man was sleeping in our firehouses.” I dropped by one of our stations to inquire. Oh, that’s Doctor Davis. He stays with us as he travels the country perfecting his physical tests. He’s trying to save money. He wants to make it into an athletic event.” “Guys,” I said, “we can’t have people sleeping in our firehouses because we are a public service, and the good citizens are footing the bill.” So, I dropped in to meet Paul Davis. Well, fifteen minutes into the conversation we both figured that we were totally on the same wavelength. What better way to market the fire service than showing the good citizens what we do in an entertaining way. I guess you would call that edutainment at Disney. Little did I know then that I would be working for Disney five years later, attempting to bring The Challenge to The Walt Disney Company. Paul and I developed an enduring friendship, and professional relationship over the next thirty years.?

He Should Have Worn a Cape

Just a couple of years ago we staged a Challenge event in Orange County Florida. When we walked into the physical fitness center of Orange County Fire and Rescue, introducing Paul, you would have thought he deserved a cape! “Doctor Davis?!” The rookies said as twenty of them gathered around him-some for autographs. His list of accomplishments and contributions to the science of physiology, his expert witness appearances and innovations filled so many pages that we had to cut three quarters of it down from the size of a small book to be chosen to be honored for the National Fire Heritage Center.

?An American Entrepreneur…with a Fire Helmet and a Heart of Gold

Paul was the commensurate American entrepreneur, and with the loving support of his wife, Debbie, and his son Brent-a firefighter himself- he built The Challenge to the global event it is today. Just a couple of years ago Paul brought on board Russell Jackson as CEO who has taken The Challenge to new heights, following Paul’s expectations.? Paul and I spoke almost weekly, and we talked about everything and anything. I saw Paul and Debbie deal with defeat, and personal tragedy with grace and resiliency. He taught much more than physical fitness. Doctor Paul Davis taught so many of us about bravery, especially in the end. I was able to see him just a couple of weeks before he died, smiling at me as always. God bless you, Paul Davis, your legacy, and the value you still bring to the global brotherhood and sisterhood of fire fighters.

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