OKEMOS - The Spartans weren't the only ones in the area who had a victory over Ann Arbor this weekend. The Meridian Township Fire Department did as well.

DeWalt and Home Depot held their annual Great Divide event in honor of the Michigan vs. Michigan State University rivalry football game.

"It is always a friendly competition between MSU and UM," said Hannah Vos, cheerleader on the MSU All-Girl Competitive Cheer Team, "but I mean this definitely brings it out a little more too without just the football game but just in ever aspect its always a state divided, you're either going to me a U of M or Michigan State fan."

Fire departments from Meridian Township and Ann Arbor raced each other to cut a car in half using DeWalt tools. Meridian finished cutting in 2:15 and Ann Arbor finished in 3:59.

"[Meridian Township] did an awesome job," said Frank Belknap, event coordinator and manager at Home Depot, "and they once again are the reigning champions representing the Spartans."

"Its always a good feeling to beat Michigan," said Ken Phinney, Captain of the Meridian Township Fire Department car cutting team. He said he thinks events like these are important because it gives the fire department a chance to show the community the tools they use to save people's lives.

The main tool they used to cut through the car was a reciprocating saw.

"If they are coming into the house and maybe there is some debris blocking an entry way," said Justin Lingenfelser, market manager for DeWalt Tools, "they can actually use the reciprocating saw [to] cut through that material to get through to the other side."

The event draws members from the community for support each year. Students from the Haslett High School Theater Tech Club set up the stage where the Willaimston High School Marching Band and MSU Cheerleaders performed.

Pat Hepfer, theater manager for Haslett High School said he this event helps his students get experience being involved with the community.

The car was donated by Cat's Salvage Yard on Mt. Hope Road, and it was brought here by the Town and Country Towing Company. The rest of the event was funded by Home Depot.

DeWalt is one of Home Depots largest suppliers and they hold discounts on their products during the Great Divide each year.