Lifting for  "Sauce"

Hi, my name is Ed Smith and I am a 27-year career firefighter with the District of Columbia Fire & EMS Department. 

How does firefighting and powerlifting come together? 

This year was the 20th anniversary of the Cherry Road DC fire where we lost two firefighters Anthony “Sauce” Phillips and Lou Matthews. While I was not at the fire, I was newly promoted from Engine 10 in February 1999 which was Phillips firehouse and the same year of the fire. I worked 
Anthony Phillips (LODD) second from left.side-by-side with “Sauce” for two years so it hit close to home for me. We as firefighters tend to put walls up to deal with tragic events we experience, which has generally worked well for me. But with the passing of time, you start scratching at that wall, which I started doing this year when I attended the memorial service for Phillips and Matthews. Their story represents two brothers lost and are part of the 100 line of duty deaths experienced by the DC Firefighters they left behind here in our Nation's Capital. I've witnessed the passing of other brothers lost during my fire service, which have affected me. They include John Carter, Lou Matthews, Costello Robinson, James McRae, and Kevin McRae. 

My Fitness Journey

In September 2016, I weighed about 250 lbs. and was in terrible physical shape. I had a change in job roles, which allowed me more time to focus on getting back in shape. I simply started out just walking my dogs and kept progressing hitting the gym, Spartan race, etc. until one of my brothers at work talked me into competing in a Powerlifting meet. That was March of 2018 and by then, I was down to 211 lbs. What an experience, I was hooked to say the least and the amount of adrenaline --I would compare to being a 16-year-old kid climbing on to a fire truck for the first time. The positive energy in the room from everyone is incredible also. So I trained harder for a competition in August of 2018 and did well for an old timer, but unfortunately tore my right distal bicep tendon, which required surgery. Sitting at home on the couch isn’t anything fun and I believe the mental pain is worse then any physical pain. 

DC FF, Ed Smith competing in 4th Annual Maryland State Championship

Anyhow I’ve been fighting my way back to compete again this November 2nd at the 5th Maryland State Championships held at CrossFit Frederick 5119 Pegasus Court B, Frederick, MD 21704.

DC Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation 

It’s hard to believe that we do not have a public DC Firefighter Memorial! Washington, DC is a city filled with memorials to remember our veterans, wars, cultures and many other deserving groups. So, this is how it all comes together to honor “Sauce” and raise money and awareness to honor our fallen brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice. I am asking for your help. Please consider making a pledge of .10 cents for every pound that I lift in total on November 2 by sending the Foundation an email confirming your pledge amount, name and contact number.  I can tell you last year my total pounds lifted was 1,200.

OR, you can make a specific amount donation as part of my campaign to remember Sauce.  See "donate' button below.

Ed Smith attends Pvt. Anthony Phillips Memorial (2019)

All of proceeds donated as part of my competing in the 5th Maryland State Championship will go directly to benefit the 

DC Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in memory of 

Anthony Phillips. 

Thanks again for taking the time to listen to our story.