Firefighters from across the state descended on the Snowy Mountains on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24 to compete in the NSW Regional Firefighting Championships.
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In a community where the relationship between locals and the firefighting services is closer than ever, Tumut gave a warm welcome to other units and their families who had given their weekend to prove their skills.
Uncle Pat Connolly opened the championships with a smoking ceremony, with FRNSW assistant commissioner Cheryl Steer giving a presentation to the assembled firefighters.
Steer said the smoking ceremony was her first, as well as a privilege, thanking Tumut Captain Mick Ivill for hosting the event, which saw 19 teams assembled.
"They have done so much work in making sure that the grounds are prepared and everything is in place. The sense of community that we get from the people in town has been incredible" Steer said.
Of the 19 teams representing a station, each station committed four members to work through a series of evolutions challenging firefighters on their skill with equipment, teamwork and communication.
Wyong station took the most points with an overwhelming 1360, followed by Kootingal on 906.
Station 270 - Cowra, placed 15th on 163 points.
Cowra had multiple teams in some of the events with its best result being a top 10 finish in the competition's first event the urban pump collector and ladder. The team finished 11th in the hose and hydrant section, 13th in the urban pump suction competition, 13th in the hose hydrant and extinguisher section and 14th in the urban pump disable section.
The competition was friendly between teams, with locals and families providing refreshments to guests and firefighters who had six different events planned for the first day alone.
Deputy Commissioner Steer said the friendly but competitive nature of the championships was a long tradition.
"The friendly rivalry between fire stations and emergency services results in shared and improved knowledge that will ultimately save lives during real emergencies" Steer said, "these competitions allow our firefighters to remain honed and ready for the real thing"
The two-day event at Bull Paddock is the first round of regional challenges for the 19 teams, The next challenge will be a road crash rescue challenge in Dubbo, followed by events in Kelso and Wagga Wagga.
For those interested in following the championships, go to https://www.firefighterchampionships.com/
