SAN ANTONIO - A CrossFit workout called the #DeemDayChallenge honors the memory of fallen firefighter Scott Deem one year after his death in the line of duty.
San Antonio Fire Department engineer and Iron Antler CrossFit owner Tommy Williams said he and fellow firefighters teamed up to create the workout.
The "Scotty" was also accepted as an official CrossFit Hero WOD, or workout of the day. People participating in CrossFit throughout the country can look up the workout and do it themselves.
"A hero workout honors military [members] and first responders who have passed away in the line of duty," Williams said.
The challenge calls on San Antonio CrossFit athletes to complete the WOD on Friday. Deem was killed in the Ingram Square shopping center fire on May 18, 2017.
"From the time Ladder 35 was on scene until a mayday was called was 11 mins., so we went ahead and said we are going to do an 11-minute workout," Williams said.
The workout structure symbolizes this date and timeframe of the tragedy.
"Scotty" WOD:
Complete as many rounds as possible in 11 mins. of:
- 5 deadlifts, 315 lb.
- 18 wall-ball shots, 20-lb. ball
- 17 burpees, over the bar
Organizers are looking forward to the possibility of more widespread t-shirt sales for fundraising next year. If anyone would like to participate in the workout and donate, Williams said Iron Antler CrossFit in Bulverde will be hosting sessions Friday from about 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. He said non-members are welcome for this special commemorative WOD Friday.
Donations for the Deem family will be collected there for anyone who would like to give. Iron Antler CrossFit will also be collecting donations at 3:30 p.m. classes Saturday and Sunday.
Two of Deem's children, Dakota and Tyler, spoke out about their support for the Deem Day Challenge in a video by SAFD.