Some 100 firefighters from 22 teams have competed in a highly successful regional firefighter championship over two big days in Forbes.
Across 10 big events firefighters scaled ladders, rolled out hoses, donned breathing apparatus and much more all in a race against the clock.
Forbes sent two teams into the challenge, Fire and Rescue NSW Forbes captain Mark Willis said, and all represented the community well.
The championships, run by the Firefighter Championships Association, are an invaluable part of training, especially for our rural retained crews who don’t have regular access to metropolitan training facilities.
“It enhances our training as firefighters in the day-to-day things that we do, but in a competition environment and going against time,” Mr Willis said.
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“It’s very beneficial as part of our training.”
Having the championships in Forbes gave the town brigade the opportunity to give some of its new members a taste of competition – and they’re now eager for future opportunities, Mr Willis said.
Team A was led by Danial Bayley and members were Joel Cuskelly, Matt Read and Chris Allegri.
Team by was led by Forbes Fire and Rescue captain Mark Willis with Brendan Hayes, Matthew Cheney and Steve Walker.
They were supported by reserves Paul Apps, Brad McMillan and Nick Ryan.
Overall winners of the weekend were the Wyong station, with Country Fire Authority brigade Echuca A second and the team from Wangi Wangi station third.
Kootingal RFS brigade and Ulladulla station rounded out the top five overall.
Forbes received rave reviews from our visitors, Mr Willis was happy to report.
“It was great, everyone really enjoyed themselves – and Forbes certainly turned on the weather,” he said.
Forbes also received official recognition with Forbes Shire Council presented with the NSW Fire and Rescue Employer Award.
The honour was actually announced on St Florians Day this year, but the presentation made by the Commissioner to Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM on the weekend.
Forbes Shire Council supports nine employees in their roles as on-call firefighters, and has done the same for many individuals over many years.
