Firefighters turn up the pressure at Calcutta’s Memorial Day water battle

Fourteen firefighter teams came together Sunday for a spirited water battle hosted by the Calcutta Volunteer Fire Department — all part of St. Clair Township’s Memorial Day Weekend Festival.

The event kicked off with a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Veterans Clinic, followed by festivities including food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. But it was the highly anticipated water battle that took center stage behind Romeo’s Pizza in Calcutta Square.

“This is our annual water battle. We've done this about 20 years now,” said Assistant Fire Chief Shayne Hamilton. “It's a good time to have all the area departments come together and celebrate Memorial Day.”

The water battle featured three-person teams competing to push a barrel down a suspended wire using high-powered fire hoses. The last team standing wins not only bragging rights but a first-place trophy and a traveling plaque passed down each year.

“We pull together with other fire departments and challenge each other,” said Calcutta Fire Chief David McCoy. “The key is a three-man team to go unbeaten and push the barrel down to the pole.”

While there was a diverse crowd of departments, McCoy noted that local departments such as Liverpool Township, Glenmoor, Hanover Township, and Negley were among those taking part.

Chief McCoy said the event goes far beyond competition — it fosters lasting relationships between departments.

“Often, we only see each other on emergency scenes. This gives us a chance to chat, eat, and get to know one another,” McCoy said. “It helps us learn what other departments have, and that can be valuable when working together.”

The Calcutta department also helped fundraise for the day’s broader celebration, selling 909 meals at their fish fry to contribute $12,000 toward fireworks and festival activities.

“This is what community looks like,” McCoy added. “We’re honored to host it and to celebrate Memorial Day the way true Americans do.”