Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
AFTER running and climbing their way to victory during the weekend's Fire and Rescue NSW Championships, Don Davidson and team one from Port Macquarie Fire Brigade were not letting the trophy out of their sight.
Such zealous caution was due to their shared increduilty at the win at Westport Park, deputy captain Davidson said. "It's been a long time since we've won a championship; it's been at least 13 years. We've been finishing around the fifth and sixth-place marks for a while, but now we've had the win we're already looking to the state championships next year in Kelso."
Port Macquarie's teams attributed their success to training sessions at Westport Park as well as their vocal and enthusiastic band of supporters.
"Being able to come and train at Westport makes a big difference, plus I'm so proud of our teams and their families for really getting involved this weekend," deputy captain Davidson said.
The performances of the younger members of the brigade were singled out for special praise.
"The way some of the newer competitors adapted to the events and challenges was pretty impressive. And that helps our community because they know when we go to a house or a business we can get there fast and get the job done," deputy captain Davidson said.
The joy and pride in the eyes of team one's members were shared by the newer personnel of team two. Retained firefighter Toby Begg who also shared the distinction with Assistant Commissioner Rob McNeil of being one of the few carpenters at the event was circumspect in his appraisal of the experience of competing in his first championship.
"It was a really good weekend," he said. "There was a great camaraderie, so we'll definitely be back."
Assistant Commissioner McNeil praised the safety standards demonstrated throughout the event. "We are about to step into a long and hard fire season, and this weekend gives us great confidence we will be able to continue to keep our community safe, with no loss of life or injuries," he said.
Community member Nicholas Green has supported the Port Macquarie Brigade for 15 years, and was understandably chuffed with their achievements.
Mr Green makes sure the firefighters are well-resourced with food and water and any other supplies during the competition. It's a role he takes very seriously, describing it as: "being like a mascot for a football team."
The comments were echoed by deputy captain Davidson. "It's great to have Nicholas helping around the track. He's comes along all the time and it reminds us of the importance of working with the community."
Fire and Rescue NSW Firefighter Championships Results
First - Port Macquarie Fire Brigade Team One. 1204 points.
Second - Tamworth Fire Brigade. 1100 points.
Third - Kootingal Rural Fire Service. 930 points.
Fourth - Tenterfield Fire Brigade. 689 points.
Fifth - Scarborough Fire Brigade. 672 points.
Sixth - Wyong Fire Brigade. 599 points.
Seventh - Port Macquarie Fire Brigade Team Two. 566 points.
Eighth - Budgewoi Fire Brigade. 359 points.
Ninth - Marylands Fire Brigade. 316 points.
Tenth - Toukley Fire Brigade. 307 points.