Four teams from the Central West are set to represent Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) this week at the 2024 State Firefighter Championships, at Wagga Wagga, in the state’s Riverina region.
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.
Teams from Central West Crews
Central West crews from Cowra, Kelso, Trangie, and Wellington are fielding teams to participate, learn new skills and make connections with colleagues from across the state.
Trangie Fire Station Captain, Wade Haines, leads a team where family connections run deep. “Our team is made up of a father and son, as well as an uncle and nephew,” Captain Haines said.
“It’s special that we have family bonds tying us together…me with my dad, Mark Haines, and John Terry with his uncle, Tony Terry. We’ve been competing together at the Firefighter Championships for the last 10 years, and collectively, we have over 100 years of firefighting experience,” said Captain Haines.
Captain Haines On The Championship
“Tony is the single longest-serving competitor at the Firefighter Championships, having competed consistently for the last 36 years. It’s great to have Tony’s experience on the team…he’s a fountain of knowledge when it comes to firefighting operations.”
“The Championships are just a great atmosphere… everyone comes together to learn new skills, meet new and old friends. There’s a great sense of community at these events,” Captain Haines stated.
Commissioner’s Words On The Championship
FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner, Gary Barber, said that the Wagga Wagga Championships are set to be one 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,” concluded Gary Barber.
Special Performance By The FRNSW Band
Spectators are welcome to attend the Championships, with the event set to culminate with a community engagement evening on Friday at Wagga Beach Riverside Precinct.
From 5.00 pm onwards, the public is invited to a special performance from the FRNSW Band, a torchlight procession, and a spectacular fireworks display at 8.15 pm.
