Local fire captain sets records in Firefighter Challenge, set to compete in national and world competitions

City News July 15, 2026

Two members of Albert Lea Fire Rescue recently competed in the Firefighter Challenge Midwest Region Classic in Valparaiso, Ind. Captain Kurt Wallace (in photo at left) and Firefighter Kyo Htoo represented the department, with Wallace earning four medals and setting new state and regional timing records.

The Firefighter Challenge tests competitors’ physical fitness and job-specific skills. This obstacle course requires participants to complete five timed tasks that simulate real-life emergency scenarios:

Carrying a 42-pound hose pack up a 5-story tower
Hoisting a 42-pound hose roll up the 5-story tower using a rope
Driving a 160-pound steel beam 5 feet along a track using a mallet
Navigating a slalom course and dragging a charged hose line 75 feet to hit a water target
Dragging a 175-pound rescue mannequin backward for 100 feet

Wallace placed first in multiple events within the age 50–59 male category:

Individual race: Wallace won first place with a time of 1:51.30, setting the new Minnesota state record.
Tandem event: Wallace and his partner secured first place and set a regional record with a time of 1:46.35.
Relay event: Joining a hybrid relay team, Wallace helped his squad achieve a regional record time of 1:45.89.

Htoo also competed in a large field, placing 18th in the age 18–29 male individual category with a finishing time of 3:18.89.

Complete recorded times and event standings are available on Race Result at my.raceresult.com/397724/.

Upcoming national and world competitions

Following the regional event, Wallace received an invitation to compete at the U.S. Nationals in Erie, Pa., scheduled for Sept. 23–26. He will also represent Team USA at the World Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., from Oct. 19–24.

The mission of Albert Lea Fire Rescue: We are committed to help people and to do what is right, today and in the future.