Record number of teams training for triumph at Regional Firefighter Championships - Kelso
Published: 23 Aug 2024 09:33am
Twenty-five teams are set to represent Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) at this weekend’s Regional Firefighter Championships at Kelso, in the state’s Bathurst region.
In what is set to be a post-covid participation record for the event, teams from all corners of the state will compete in the second round of regional heats at Learmonth Park.
Teams compete in the hard-fought competition to earn the right to represent their emergency service, communities and colleagues at the state titles, which will take place in Wagga Wagga this October.
Teams will compete in events such as “Urban Pumper BA & Foam,” “Booster Valve and High-Rise Bag,” “Rescue” and “Hose and Hydrant,” testing their speed, teamwork and attention to detail.
FRNSW Assistant Commissioner, Cheryl Steer, is excited by the great response and diversity on display this year.
“This competition unites firefighters from across the state, and it’s so important that the crews represent the varied and diverse communities we serve,” Assistant Commissioner Steer said.
“I’m certainly happy to see such a broad mix of our people on display at this event.
“Not only do we have a growing contingent of female firefighters, but we also welcome Oberon Firefighter, Peter Ryan, who is set to retire after a staggering 60 years of service this weekend.
On Sunday, Peter will be farewelled by FRNSW and his community with a street parade”, she added, “We’re so thrilled he’s competing this year, on the 50th anniversary of his first Firefighter Championships back in 1974.
“At the end of the day, everyone is here to learn to better protect their communities, but I think the friendly rivalry between teams makes it all the more fun."
The competing teams are: Bathurst, Cowra, Culcairn, Dorrigo, Echuca A, Echuca B, Goulburn, Junee, Kelso, Kootingal RFS, Kurri Kurri, Mittagong, Morisset, Oberon, Region South 2 Phantoms, Saratoga, Terrigal, The Entrance, Trangie, Turvey Park, Ulladulla, Wangi Wangi, Wellington, Wyong A, Wyong B.
The FRNSW Band will be playing music from 1pm-3pm on Saturday 24 August and the public are welcome to attend.
Media note – Footage of the Tumut Firefighter Championships in March 2024 is available here: https://vimeo.com/1001440031/ff77deeb70 [external link]
Updated: 23 Aug 2024 09:53am
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Stations nearby
4 Pat OLeary Drive, Kelso NSW 2795
56 Suttor Street, Bathurst NSW 2795
23 Church Street, Blaney NSW 2799