By Raul Altamirano
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Team CCFD #1 might have scored a three-peat victory at the Corpus Christi Fire Truck Pull benefiting Special Olympics South Texas, but it was the sight of Team Hurricanes’ record-setting 10.6 second pull that showed the true spirit of the event.
As the Hurricanes prepared for their second pull, the Special Olympics athlete-unified team got a little assistance from the other nine teams that competed.
The annual event, sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run and hosted by Corpus Christi Fire Department and the Corpus Christi Police Department, took place Saturday at the American Bank Center.
Ten teams of ten competitors each vied to see which could pull the 55,000-pound firetruck 75 feet across the finish line the fastest.
All proceeds from registration fees for the event and other donations fund the Area 2 South Texas Special Olympics athletes’ training.
Not one to boast in victory, Capt. Scott Rasmusson, who also served as captain of Team CCFD #1, shared the secret behind pulling the firetruck.
“Teamwork,” he said. “That is definitely the trick.”
Hurricanes member Robert Katocs, one of the Special Olympics athletes who participated in the event, expressed gratitude for all of those who participated.
“On behalf of over 1,800 athletes in the South Texas Area, thank you,” he said, before leading the crowd in reciting the Special Olympics athlete code.
According to Alice Fulton-Garza, South Texas Special Olympics area director, events that sponsor the athletes are not only imperative to their development on the field, but also in life.
AND STILL!!! CCFD #1 are your three-time Fire Truck Pull champs! #VivaCC pic.twitter.com/7O4nC8e2AH
— Raul Altamirano (@CallerRaul) October 8, 2016
“Everything’s free for the athletes. Fundraisers like this help with their training, which is so important,” she said. “Plus, they just love being a part of things like this.”
Fulton-Garza says plans already are in motion for next year’s Firetruck Pull. She said she hopes next year’s Fire Truck Pull will be at an equally advantageous location as the American Bank Center.
Rasmusson already is looking forward to the friendly rivalry he says is part of the camaraderie shared with the police department at the event.
Hero’s Haul Fire Truck Pull Held in St. Paul to benefit @OperationWarm https://t.co/yjcDPKZpOf
— CenterPoint Energy (@energyinsights) October 10, 2016
“It’s something near and dear to our hearts,” he said.
Teams are getting hyped at the Fire Truck Pull! #VivaCC pic.twitter.com/6YDWaM5ixm
— Raul Altamirano (@CallerRaul) October 8, 2016