Wyong firefighters proved yet again they’re best in the business by taking out back-to-back NSW State Championships.
Some tough competition kept the pressure on Wyong over the three-day event in wet conditions at Port Macquarie from October 20-22.
The Fire and Rescue Wyong 505 brigade competed against more than 60 firefighters from 15 different brigades, as well as representatives from the NSW Rural Fire Service and Victorian Country Fire Authority.
The State Firefighter Championships test the skills, professionalism and training of regional firefighters, with events simulating a range of fire and rescue situations.
Wyong won the Alfred Webb Cup as State Champions, followed in second place by Kootingal Rural Fire Service and in third spot was the Port Macquarie crew.
The Wyong brigade was also presented with the Reddaway Casket for the highest aggregated points in hose events; the McMurtrie Trophy for the highest aggregated points in motorised events and the GAAM Trophy for the highest aggregated points in pump and collector events.
Apart from winning team events, individual standouts Tim Farlow, Hugh Rivera and Rick Cole brought home some glory for the Wyong brigade.
Fire and Rescue Commissioner Paul Baxter said the championship provided firefighters with a unique opportunity to work together and develop their operational skills.
“Although firefighters train for months and there is a strong competitive streak within the stations to prove who the top team is, the championship has the more serious purpose of honing skills that are critical in real emergencies,” he said.
“It’s also the perfect opportunity for firefighters to build comradery, develop friendships with their fellow colleagues and other services personnel.”
Sue Murray