CAMDEN — Atlantic Engine Company No. 2 is an official host this year of the Murph Challenge, to be held at Camden-Rockport Middle School on Memorial Day, May 30. The event starts at 11 a.m., which gives spectators time to walk up to the school after they have participated in Camden's annual Memorial Day parade. Camden's parade starts at 9:30 a.m., following Route 1 (Elm Street) from the John Street intersection to Route 52 (Mountain Street) ending at the Mountain View Cemetery.

The Murph Challenge is the official annual fundraiser of the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation, presented by Forged. It is also one of the primary means of funding for the Foundation, on an annual basis. The Company invites the public to join countless Americans and register for the Murph Challenge 2016 at www.themurphchallenge.com under the Atlantic Engine Company #2 host affiliation.

“People can register, which will put them on the leaderboard and allow them compete nationally, but you also don’t have to register. Just come out and join in and do the workout with us,” said Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley. “We are also hoping this can be a recruitment tool, so if anyone is interested in learning more about the fire service, drop by and talk to us.”

The “Murph” is more than just a workout, it is a tradition that helps push, humble, and dedicate a bit of pain and sweat to honor a man who gave everything he had.

The challenge is the original workout in memory of Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

Atlantic Engine Company #2 decided to host this event to honor the service of veterans. In addition to supporting Camden's firefighters, the AEC No. 2 seeks to enhance community through service projects.

This is one way to honor veterans and firefighters, while bringing the community together. Visit the Middle School athletic fields on Memorial Day. Look for the fire trucks.