The annual Fire Truck Pull saw a tremendous boost in success for 2025 as community heroes once again rallied in downtown Columbia to support children battling forms of cancer.
This year the event was sold out as 32 teams competed to see who could pull a CRFD fire engine down a stretch of Hampton Street the fastest. The competition ended with $64,000 being raised to support Curing Kids Cancer and pediatric cancer research and patient care in our area.
This was the most money that the event ever raised since it began in the Capital City twelve years ago.
“It never ceases to amaze me how much excitement this brings every spring,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Our firefighters are among the participants that love to get up for this competition and what’s better is that it’s all organized for a wonderful cause. Our department is incredibly proud to support Curing Kids Cancer and its mission to put an end to childhood cancers.”
2025 Fire Truck Pull for Curing Kids Cancer
“The overwhelming support for this year’s Fire Truck Pull has been absolutely incredible.” said Grainne Owen, who is co-founder and president of Curing Kids Cancer, “Seeing the entire community come together with such passion to raise a record-breaking $64,000—triple the amount from last year—is truly inspiring. What our community gave to these families on Saturday was threefold: hope, through the funds raised for life-saving research; joy, through the laughter and love shared with the children; and priceless memories that no amount of money can buy. For these gifts, I cannot thank everyone enough. We are grateful to every team, sponsor, and supporter who made this possible, and we can’t wait to see even more people join us next year to continue giving this priceless gift to children and their families!”
Matulis Realty Pulling for Mia took home the best pull time in this year’s competition for a 10-person team at 21.83 seconds. The second fastest team was Michelin Yellow Pulling for Fabio at a pull time of 22.50 seconds. Meanwhile South Carolina Equestrian Pulling for Asher took home the honors for the Top Fundraising Team as well as Best Dressed Team.
Every team that took part pulled in support of or in memory of a child who has been touched by cancer.
The grand total of $64,000 raised from the competition came through donations raised by each team as well as team registration fees and corporate sponsorships of the event. In 2024 the Fire Truck Pull successfully raised more than $21,000 for Curing Kids Cancer.
The Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital has been the direct beneficiary of an endowment from CKC that to date has reached well over $1.2 million.
CRFD Teams at the 2025 Fire Truck Pull
Among participating teams in this year’s competition were two teams from the Columbia-Richland Fire Department as well as one from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Before the event Curing Kids Cancer recognized Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins for CRFD’s yearly support of the Firetruck Pull and the great work the annual event has done for so many children.
Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins (left) is recognized
by Curing Kids Cancer Co-Founder & President Grainne Owen before the competition.
