THROWN together and using equipment they have little experience with, Kootingal Moonbi RFS firefighters took out second place at the Firefighter Championships in Dubbo.
There was no doubt the team were underdogs, taking on a firefighter from Dorrigo they hadn’t worked with before said unit captain Kendall Thompson.
“Our brigade isn’t the biggest but in saying that, we’re competing at the Fire and Rescue Championships so everything we used is foreign to us,” he said.
“The pumps are different, we don’t do rescue, so we only see that gear when we turn up.
“In the breathing apparatus section, we don’t actually have that as part of what we do so the only time we see it is at these competitive events.”
The championships include 14 timed events based around everyday firefighting practices, from rescues to ladder events and pumping water.
There were 20 teams from across the state that take part in the championships and competition is tough Mr Thompson said.
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“Everyone brings their A-game, being we went in with a made up team that’s never run with each other we didn’t have high expectations,” he said.
“The bragging rights aren’t what we’re there for, we’re there to have fun but it helps us in the long run to be able to work in with Fire and Rescue which we do quite often - so to know how they work their gear helps protect the community.”
Kootingal RFS were just beaten by a Wyong team by 381 points but managed to take first overall in a number of challenges.
The unit is always looking for more volunteers, for more information visit rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
