Local firefighter represents America in international triathlon tournament

The Asheville Fire Department announced that their very own Chief Rich Rauschenbach is currently in the city of Nice, France to prepare for the Ironman World Championship. Rauschenbach is representing the United States for his age group after qualifying for the World Championship at the 2024 Ironman California.

Rauschenbach chose to become a firefighter following his experience with the September 11 attack. Rauschenbach was living in New York and was supposed to meet with a friend on the 96th floor, on the morning of the attack. His friend, who the department says is also in Nice France, had cancelled the meeting, indirectly saving their lives.

To honor fellow Asheville firefighters who fell in the line of duty, Rauschenbach will have the names of all of Asheville Fire’s Line of Duty Deaths on the back of his uniform.

The Ironman World Championship is a triathlon tournament that consists of a swimmer’s track, biker’s track, and runner’s track. The tournament is set to begin on Sunday September 14.