Fire department drill teams from across New York State gathered on Weir Street in Hempstead Aug. 15 for the 2026 New York State Championship Drill, competing in a series of events testing speed, efficiency and teamwork.
The championship weekend was hosted by the Hempstead, South Hempstead and West Hempstead fire departments, with the West Hempstead Fire Department and its Westerners Drill Team helping host the competition.
The Central Islip Hoboes captured the state championship with 28 points, the East Islip Guzzlers finished second with 17 points and the Spencerport Red Onions made third with 15.5 points. South Hempstead Rascals finished at fourth place with nine points with Miller Place Extinguishers following behind in fifth with seven points.
Firematic competition has a history stretching back more than a century in New York. Fire departments originally competed in events testing fundamental skills such as stretching hoses and raising ladders, later incorporating motorized fire fighting equipment as it became commonplace. The competitions have evolved into tests of speed, fire fighting skills and teamwork, while giving volunteer firefighters opportunities to practice basic proficiencies, build physical fitness and develop the teamwork used during emergency responses.
The competition was part of a weekend celebrating New York’s Firematic racing tradition. Festivities continued Aug. 16 with a parade from the South Hempstead Fire Department to the Weir Street arch.