From August 1 to 2, three firefighters from the Gundagai 313 Station competed at the Firefighter Championships in Goulburn to represent their town and training.
The championships attract teams of firefighters from across NSW and some out of state stations to showcase their skills, fitness levels and teamwork across several firefighting themed challenges.
The competition has the added benefit to establishing friendly competition between stations and build lifelong connections with other crews.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell was amongst those attending North Park over the weekend to cheer on the 100 firefighters who battled for the top spot.
“This event is a terrific way to showcase firefighters’ professionalism, dedication and camaraderie,” says Commissioner Fewtrell.
“As well as watching the competition, the public [brushed] up on vital fire safety during the most dangerous time of the year for house fires by speaking to firefighters and getting tailored advice.
“This is also the perfect opportunity to request a free home fire safety visit, which you can book anytime online or by calling your local station.
“Firefighters can install smoke alarms free of charge and help you create a home escape plan.”
Out of the 22 competing teams, Gundagai held their own valiantly across the 10 challenging events, which included collecting an urban pumper and ladder, disabling an urban pump, working a booster valve and internal hose reel, ladder practice, urban pumper BA and foam, a rescue event, and hose and hydrant work.
The team took out 16th place in their best event working with the hose hydrant and extinguisher, blitzing the competition with a time of 58.12 and a final score of 18.
Honourable mentions also went to the rescue event challenge, where Gundagai’s firies took out 18th spot.
The competition also saw interstate teams from Kootingal and Country Fire Authority crews from Echuca in Victoria also competing.
Aimed to promote teamwork under pressure from different fire scenarios, as well as assessing strength and speed, the championships also ensured firefighters were prepared for real-life emergencies using all sorts of equipment.
Running from 8am on both the Saturday and Sunday, Gundagai’s three incredible firies have returned home for good rest.
Congratulations go to Trenten Humphries, Adam Thomas and Neha Braathen who took home a final score of 110.
Although Wyong, Echuca and Wangi took out the top three spots overall, Gundagai more than proved they’ve got what it takes for any situation.
To request a home fire safety visit, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/fire-safety/home-fire-safety/safety-visits
Elizabeth Kovacs
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