Seven Teams, Five Challenges and One Bell: Local Firefighters put Teamwork to the Test

Parkland County firefighters put their skills to the test at the inaugural Battle for the Bell on August 11 at the Acheson Fire Hall.

Twenty-eight firefighters competed in team-based challenges inspired by the physical demands and skills used in the fire service.

Created and organized by Parkland County firefighters, the event brought members together outside of emergency response and regular training to strengthen the communication, trust and teamwork they depend on when answering a call.

And there were certainly bragging rights on the line.

The competition takes its name from its championship trophy, a bell removed from an old fire truck and given new life at the centre of the event.

Firefighters also used the evening to give back. Teams collected cereal for the Parkland Food Bank as part of the competition, resulting in 135 boxes of cereal being donated to help local families.

Could you be part of the crew?

The teamwork on display at Battle for the Bell is also an important part of being a paid-on-call firefighter and Parkland County Fire Services is getting ready to recruit its next group of members.

Applications open Aug. 31 for paid-on-call firefighter opportunities at the Acheson, Parkland Village, Tomahawk and Wabamun fire stations.

You don't need previous firefighting experience to apply. Parkland County provides the training and equipment you need, and paid-on-call firefighters are compensated for training and emergency response.

If you want to learn new skills, be part of a team and serve your community, this could be your opportunity to answer the call.

Applications are open Aug. 31 to Sept. 28, 2026.

Learn more about the role, eligibility requirements and recruitment process at parklandcounty.com/recruitment.