As a five-year veteran of the Erie Fire Department, Terry Sedney is used to getting physical.

"You just have to be in pretty good shape," said Sedney. "I know from experience now."

Sedney is one of the 18 members of the Erie Fire Department participating in the Northeast Regional Firefighter Challenge Classic in downtown Erie.

The five-stage obstacle course takes firefighters through a series of challenges that they would face on the job.

"It was tough," said Sedney. "It's definitely a test. I came out seeing spots."

The challenge has drawn 175 firefighters
from 30 states and three countries.

"It challenges all of your cardiovascular and muscular endurance," said Gene Liford--a firefighter and paramedic from Tallahassee, Florida. "Everything."

At 6'10" tall, Liford has learned to use his size to his advantage.

"This competition prepares us for what we face on the frontlines," said Liford. "All of the events you see out here, is what we do during a high-rise structure fire."

The competition highlights the physical face, on any given day.

"I think it allows people to see how physical our job can actually get," said Sedney. "When it comes to work, we are ready to go."

The challenge wraps up on Saturday.