Five teams from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle will represent Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) this week at the 2024 State Firefighter Championships to be held at Wagga Wagga.
Held every two years, the State Firefighter Championships give firefighters the opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive environment, allowing them to further develop their capabilities to take back to their local communities.
With events such as rescue, booster valve, ladder and high-rise bag, firefighters put their stamina, attention to detail and cooperation to the test.
Crews from Kurri Kurri, Morisset, Wyong and Wangi Wangi will participate to learn new skills and make connections with colleagues from across the state.
Wyong Fire Station Captain Jamie Loader leads the defending champions, team Wyong.
“We’ve been competing together at the Firefighter Championships for the past 10 years and collectively, we have more than 73 years of firefighting experience,” he said.
“We’ve won the past six championships in a row, including the State Championship in 2022, but we’re mindful that there is some fierce competition among this year’s teams.”
FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Gary Barber said that the Wagga Wagga Championships will be an event to remember.
“The State Firefighter Championships unite firefighters from across the state and beyond, and teams come from far and wide to compete,” he said.
“This event is hugely beneficial to our firefighters, but ultimately, it’s our communities who benefit the most.
“Our people take learnings, skills and stronger relationships back to their local community, and apply them in real scenarios such as structure fires and rescue incidents.”
Spectators are welcome to attend the championships, which will wind up with a community engagement evening on Friday, October 25.
For more information, visit www.firefighterchampionships.com