Explorer Post 469 traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on Thursday, February 5, to compete in the 50th Annual Winterfest Competition, held February 6–7 at Rocky Top Sports World. The event brought together more than 1,700 Explorers and Venturers from across the nation, marking one of the largest youth public safety competitions in the country.
This year marked Post 469’s 23rd year participating in Winterfest. The group was represented by 18 youth members, along with their advisors and members of the department’s command staff.
Post 469 earned three top-three finishes in the national competition, demonstrating exceptional skill, teamwork, and professionalism:
1st Place: The King Drill
3rd Place: High-Rise Deployment
3rd Place: Rapid Rescue and Resuscitation
Competitors were challenged with a variety of realistic fire and rescue scenarios, including forcible entry, hose deployment, victim removal, and emergency medical treatment. The events tested both technical proficiency and the ability to perform under pressure.
Preparation for the event began in the fall of 2025, with the Explorers dedicating 7–10 hours of training each week under the mentorship of CCFES firefighters who help guide and develop the students’ skills.
In addition to competing, members of CCFES also hosted and staffed several Winterfest events, including The King Drill - an event designed and dedicated to Sgt. Chris King, who lost his battle with job-related cancer last year. The event was created to teach fire attack and primary search techniques, requiring teams to advance a charged hose line through an obstacle course and safely remove a victim.
A dedication ceremony for The King Drill took place Saturday morning, where Sgt. King’s wife joined Post 469 and event participants. Fire Chief Eddie Robinson spoke during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the fire service brotherhood and encouraging all to “strive to be more like Sgt. King.”
Event organizers also recognized Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services for being one of the longest-attending departments in Winterfest’s 50-year history — a testament to the department’s ongoing commitment to youth mentorship and professional development.
About Fire & Emergency Services Exploring:
Fire & Emergency Services Exploring is a career-focused program for young men and women ages 14 (and who have completed the 8th grade) through 21 who are interested in careers in fire and emergency services. The program provides hands-on training, leadership opportunities, and community service experiences that prepare participants for future public safety careers while helping them grow as responsible citizens.
To learn more about joining Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Exploring, visit
JoinCherokeeFire.com. Posted : February 12, 2026
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