The Fayetteville Fire Department Hazardous Materials team competed in the 2009 State Haz Mat challenge on Saturday, August 22nd and took home first place, earning a gold medal.  In the competition’s five year history, this is the second year in a row and the third year overall the Fayetteville team has won top honors. The competition was held at the NC Fire Chiefs Conference in Raleigh and featured eight Haz Mat teams from around the state.  The teams consist of 4 persons competing in five timed events such as containing a simulated chlorine leak, or removing a victim using a stokes basket.  The fire department members participating were Lt. Justin Nobles, Tommy Warren, John Rzycki, Scott Gonzales, Johnny Hartman, and Lt. Patrick McArdle.  For more information, view the press release.