WHEN IT comes to a cat stuck up a tree or a damsel in distress, Tamworth firefighters have it covered.
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It's how quickly they can save them that matters at the NSW Fire and Rescue Regional Championship this weekend.
A team from the West Tamworth station and Kootingal Rural Fire Service are ready to tackle the competition in Armidale and show off their hard-earned skills.
Whether experience trumps youth will be determined at the Regional Firefighter Championships in Armidale this weekend.
And, it looks like lightning-fast ladder climber Jason Lee is West Tamworth fire station's best bet.
"Watch out for Jason Lee in the ladder event, he'll be throwing out a challenge," Fire and Rescue NSW zone commander Tom Cooper said.
"He's on his game and will hopefully pull out his best after the blistering time he set at the state titles last year.
"He's our great white hope."
Hosted in Armidale, at least 18 teams are entered in competition that challenges firefighters to tackle day-to-day tasks in a high-speed event.
With eleven tasks, firefighters will need to work together in the ladder climb, basic hose and hydrant events, extinguishing, water pumping and fire engine challenges.
It's basically everything a modern firefighter would come across in their general duties, Mr Cooper said, but while there's no doubt they can do it - the young team from West Tamworth will need to be on their game against more experienced units.
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"Some of the events are very complex, to get the water into the engine, get it started and all that there’s no question they would be able to do it," Mr Cooper said.
"But it’s about doing it in a fashion that makes them competitive."
Especially since Kootingal Rural Fire Service has been training hard.
"Aside from Kootingal I think Armidale will be our most competitive team based on them hosting and they generally do well in these events," Mr Cooper said.
"Armidale would have an advantage being host brigade and preparing the track, but the competition and camaraderie sharpens the skills so that we are better equipped to deal with things."
The public are invited to watch the championships that will be held at the Jack Valance Oval in Armidale on Saturday and Sunday.
There will also be safety demonstrations and vintage fire trucks done-up by a group of retired firefighters in Tamworth.
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.
