Boerne P.D. Dethroned in "Tug the Truck"

Their reign at the top has come to an end for the Boerne Police Department

Their reign at the top has come to an end for the Boerne Police Department, as a team from the San Antonio Police Department bested them in last Saturday’s “Tug The Truck” competition.

Eighteen teams turned out Sept. 13 to give it their best shot — a chance to tug a 30,000-pound firetruck across the finish line 40 feet away. Every team receives two chances to pull, with each pull timed to determine the winner.

The SAPD’s team of 10 tuggers logged a 14.08-second time on its first effort, good enough to claim the 2025 title. In second place, with a time of 16.00, was the Boerne Fire Department, with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office Strong team third, in 16.06.

The Tug, in its fourth year, is growing in popularity — attracting more teams and widening its field of competition. The course is laid out on East San Antonio Avenue, between Black Rifle Coffee Co. And Tre Pizzeria.

In addition to the firetruck tug, a “Push The Car” challenge allows teams of three to push a squad car; a “Guns Vs. Hoses” (law enforcement versus firefighters) tug of war is staged — “guns” won — and a “Dummy Drag” life-saving reenactment is offered.

First-time tug attendee Adam Taft, with the Boerne YMCA team, pulled alongside many other first-timers without performing any practice drills beforehand.

“My father-in-law and my good friend are on the team,” Taft said, “We just wanted to come out and show our support.”

Their team wasn’t the only one not to practice beforehand, however. Walter Ball, in his second year as Boerne assistant fire chief, said his team relies on their everyday physical training, circuit training, search drills and stair climbers to be in shape for the big event.

Tug The Truck is organized by the 100 Club of Kendall County, a charity geared toward helping first responders manage their mental health. Though the event is all in good fun – 100 Club President Laura Andersen said all proceeds go to help serious cases. Just recently, the organization helped send a local first responder to a rehabilitation center to get the care they needed, all expenses paid.

These services are an expansion from the establishment of the 100 Club — originally established to provide immediate financial assistance to the dependent families of peace officers and firefighters who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. The expansion of 100 Club aids first responders in their everyday lives, and helps in coping with the aftermath of their service.

The SAPD team will be back next year to defend its title at the fifth annual Tug. Any business, organization or agency wishing to participate can check updates on the 100 Club of Kendall County’s Facebook page. The public is welcome to turn out and show support for the charity’s backers and participants.