Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Explorer Post 469 traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on February 5th to compete in the 50th Annual Winterfest Competition at Rocky Top Sports World. The event drew over 1,700 Explorers and Venturers from across the country. This year marked Post 469's 23rd consecutive year of participation in Winterfest. The department was represented by eighteen young members, who were accompanied by advisers and command staff members.

Post 469 finished in the top three in three different events: The King Drill, High-Rise Deployment, and Rapid Rescue and Resuscitation. Events put talents in hose advancement, forced entrance, victim evacuation, and emergency medical care to the test under time constraints.

Members of CCFES also staffed and hosted events, including The King Drill, dedicated to Sgt. Chris King. During a ceremony, Fire Chief Eddie Robinson addressed participants and recognized the importance of service and mentorship. Event organizers also acknowledged CCFES as one of the longest-attending departments in Winterfest history.