Locals in close contention at State Firefighter Championships

DAY two of the 2012 State Firefighter Championships has gone off with a bang with a fireworks display and torchlight procession along the streets of Tamworth.

Last night, crowds gathered along Peel St and Kable Ave to watch 200 firefighters perform a ceremonial march, lit by the soft glow of lanterns.

“It’s a bit of a thank you to the community of Tamworth from all the brigades involved,” NSW Fire Brigades Superintendent Ian Krimmer said.

Finishing at No. 1 Oval, all eyes then turned skywards for a night show of fireworks and an old-fashioned hose cart competition to top off the day’s activities.

Sitting pretty in first spot after the event’s completion yesterday was team Berry, closely followed by reigning champions Kelso and Victorian team Echuca in third place.

Right up there with the big guns are our Kootingal RFS firies who are sitting in fourth place going into the last day of competition.

For those who think firefighting is strictly a male domain, the girls have been competing side by side with their male colleagues.

Tamworth City retained firefighters Di Gallagher and Rosalie Lukins are just two of the many firies at Cross Park and are giving the blokes a run for their money.

With eight events out of 17 still to be run, Superintendent Krimmer said the top spot could change depending on team efforts today.

The discipline event scores from day one are kept a closely guarded secret until tonight’s presentation, which means that Kootingal could rise up the ranks to a top three spot.

“It could be a very close contest,” Superintendent Krimmer said.

Today the action will continue at Cross Park with hose, hydrant and breeching championship events continuing on throughout the day.

The official closing ceremony and awards presentation will be held at Blazes Showroom at West  Tamworth League Club tonight.