Provo City Fire and Rescue Are Great Pickleballers

Provo City Fire and Rescue Are Great Pickleballers

A while back we posted a video by Scott Anderson on our PickleballCentral Facebook page. It featured the Provo City Fire and Rescue team playing pickleball in full firefighter gear.  

We decided to ask Scott for more of the story on how they got into pickleball. Enjoy!

Tell us about playing pickleball in the firehouse. How did you get started?

The Provo City Fire and Rescue Station was introduced to pickleball at the Provo City rec center, which has 3 indoor courts and 8 outdoor courts. If we don't get calls during our PT time in the mornings we often play after working out. We have a blast playing pickleball at the firehouse. We don't play in full gear often, so that day we did we made sure to record it. ?

Does everyone play? Why do you play?

Not all the firefighters play, I’d say maybe half of our department. Those of us that do love the competition and how fun it is. Some just play for fun on the days they work, a few like me participate in tournaments when we can. 

Have you ever been playing pickleball and have the fire alarm go off?

Yes, we've been playing and had the alarm go off! We carry our radios with us so we can just drop our paddles and be ready to go! It's weird playing pickleball one minute and the next minute you could be in your fire gear going on a call.

What kind of paddles and balls do you use?

We have mostly Paddletek paddles and Onix Pure 2 Balls.

Do you ever compete in tournaments?

I'm one of the few who play in tournaments. I remember my first tournament was with my friend and captain. We entered our first tournament a few years ago not having any clue what level we were. We had only played a few times and tried the 4.0 level and found out quickly we shouldn't be in that division. We did win one match though! I'm a 4.5 level player now.

Do you ever compete with other firehouses?

I'm wondering if there are any full time firefighters out there that are 5.0's? ? We haven't competed with other firehouses yet. I can see that happening soon though.  Yes, we play away from the firehouse when we're off duty too.

Do you play pickleball away from the firehouse, when you’re off duty?

I introduced my wife to pickleball and she played with me for a while, then passed me up and reached the 5.0 level. So I’m trying to catch up to her now! We love it and look forward to playing it every chance we get.

Thank you Scott, for sharing more of the Provo City Fire and Rescue pickleball story with us. Here's hoping you find other fire stations nearby that will join you in some friendly competition.