LION Hall of Fame Spotlight: Honoring Excellence, Brotherhood, and the Spirit of the Firefighter Challenge
At LION, we’re more than a company — we’re a family committed to protecting those who protect us. Each year, we have the privilege of celebrating firefighters who embody the courage, discipline, and perseverance that define the profession. 
The Firefighter Challenge League (FCL) Hall of Fame honors competitors who have not only excelled on the course but have also inspired generations through leadership, teamwork, and service.
This year, we proudly celebrate three extraordinary inductees — Shane Farmer, Anthony “Tank” McMurtry, and Roy Dalton — whose dedication, resilience, and passion continue to elevate the firefighting community worldwide.
Shane Farmer — 2025 FCL Hall of Fame Inductee
Career & Achievement
Being inducted into the FCL Hall of Fame is an incredible honor — one that Shane is still processing. “I still feel like that young rookie chasing a dream to be the best I can be,” he says. “Twenty years later, that drive hasn’t changed.”
For Shane, this recognition is both personal and professional. It represents years of commitment, mentorship, and support from colleagues, family, and friends — the foundation that made every accomplishment possible. “There isn’t one thing I’ve achieved that doesn’t trace back to the people who’ve believed in me,” he reflects.
The Challenge Experience
Among many cherished memories, one moment stands above the rest — qualifying for the LION’s Den at the 2007 World Challenge in Las Vegas. On his final attempt of the fourth day, Shane crossed the finish line under 1:40 and was immediately surrounded by teammates and competitors in celebration. “Hearing my mom’s voice on the video she recorded still chokes me up,” he says.
Overcoming injuries and setbacks over two decades of competition has built what Shane calls an “undeniable mindset.” LION has been a constant supporter along the way. “John Granby and the LION team have stood by the Challenge since day one."
Preparation & Mindset
For the past 15 years, Shane’s foundation has been CrossFit, supported by family workouts and FCL-specific training. His mindset philosophy is simple: Do hard things. “If you do hard things every day, you’ll build the confidence to handle anything. Never quit, always finish what you start — that’s how you become an undeniable force.”
Impact & Inspiration
The FCL, Shane says, has shaped every part of his life. “It’s made me a better husband, father, friend, and firefighter.” His advice to new competitors: “Enjoy the process. Medals collect dust, but growth lasts forever. And always thank your support system — nothing happens alone.”
Hall of Fame Legacy
Shane hopes to be remembered as someone who “worked hard, led by example, and was always willing to help others.” He adds with a smile: “You can be a fierce competitor and still be nice.”
Anthony “Tank” McMurtry — 2025 FCL Hall of Fame Inductee
Career & Achievement
For Anthony “Tank” McMurtry, being inducted into the Hall of Fame is both validation and gratitude — recognition for years of discipline, hard work, and the unwavering support of those who believed in him. “It reflects the journey, not just the wins,” he says. “Every run, every lesson, every person who helped me along the way.”
His defining moment came the first time he stepped onto the course. “Facing that initial fear and choosing not to walk away changed everything,” he recalls.
The Challenge Experience
Tank’s proudest memory wasn’t a personal victory — it was training a team that went on to defeat his own in the world relay finals. “It was tough to lose, but I was genuinely proud. Seeing them succeed was even better than winning myself.”
He also fondly remembers competing with the SAM Squad in Myrtle Beach and earning a spot in the LION’s Den after winning the regional. “It proved what’s possible with the right mindset and preparation.”
For his first decade, Tank wore LION gear, breaking three world records along the way. He credits John Granby, a retired LION representative, for his mentorship and friendship. “We’d joke before every race — it helped calm my nerves. He probably doesn’t realize how much that meant.”
Preparation & Mindset
Tank’s training motto: DO WORK. He focused on effort long before race day. “If you’ve already done the hard work, the race itself becomes the easy part.”
Equally important was teamwork. “The friendships I’ve built mean as much as any record. Being inducted alongside my teammate Roy Dalton makes this honor even more special. The Challenge gave me more than competition — it gave me family.”
Impact & Inspiration
Tank’s inspiration to become a firefighter came from watching Bobby Russell and the Overland Park Fire Department on ESPN. “That moment lit a fire in me,” he says. It led him to join the Air Force, become a firefighter, and dedicate his life to the craft.
His advice to new firefighters: “The pain is part of it — don’t run from it. Embrace it. Every ounce of effort makes you faster, stronger, and better.”
Hall of Fame Legacy
Tank hopes to be remembered not just for his records but for his relentless pursuit of growth. “The Challenge isn’t just about competition — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.”
He credits his parents as his greatest inspiration: “They taught me to never let adversity stop me. That mindset carried me through every challenge, every race, every day.”
Roy Dalton — 2025 FCL Hall of Fame Inductee
Career & Achievement
For Roy Dalton, induction into the FCL Hall of Fame represents years of perseverance and teamwork. “It’s both personal and professional — a symbol of resilience and a reminder of everyone who helped me along the way,” he says. “It’s about giving back to the sport, the brotherhood, and the next generation.”
His proudest achievements aren’t tied to a single event but to years of consistent effort, mentoring, and lifting others up.
The Challenge Experience
One of Roy’s most defining moments came at the 2012 World Championships, when his team won the Over 40 Championship before immediately competing in — and nearly winning — the Open Championship. “We crossed the line first but lost on a penalty. It was thrilling and unforgettable.”
He joined the LION’s Den at the 2011 Myrtle Beach World Finals, marking a personal milestone. Roy also credits LION for helping elevate the entire competition. “Their sponsorship has made the Challenge a global event and inspired all of us to push further.”
Preparation & Mindset
Roy’s training combined strength, endurance, and strategy — from running and weightlifting to swimming and stair climbing. “I prepared for every aspect of the course,” he says. “The mental side was just as important as the physical — learning to stay focused and push past limits.”
Camaraderie was equally vital: “Being part of a team pushed me further than I could ever go alone. The friendships built through the Challenge are lifelong.”
Impact & Inspiration
The Challenge made Roy a better firefighter — and a more confident one. “It taught me to stay focused, avoid tunnel vision, and see the big picture,” he says. “Training for the Challenge didn’t just build my strength — it built my mindset.”
His message to new firefighters: “Stay humble, stay hungry, and never stop learning. Compete with purpose, not ego — the results will follow.”
Hall of Fame Legacy
Roy hopes to be remembered as a competitor who never stopped pushing forward. “Courage isn’t just facing danger — it’s overcoming adversity and striving to be better every day.”
He credits Darren Hillman as his biggest inspiration. “He wasn’t the biggest guy, but he ran like he was ten feet tall. True strength comes from heart.” Roy adds, “If my story inspires others to face challenges with courage and compassion, that’s my greatest achievement.”
Closing Thoughts
At LION, we’re honored to celebrate Shane Farmer, Anthony “Tank” McMurtry, and Roy Dalton — three extraordinary athletes whose journeys define the true spirit of the Firefighter Challenge and the Arena of the Brave.
Their stories remind us that excellence isn’t just about crossing the finish line first — it’s about perseverance, brotherhood, and the drive to be better every day.
We are proud to stand beside these Hall of Fame inductees as they continue to inspire firefighters everywhere to serve with strength, humility, and heart.
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