Firefighters gear up for Parkes Championships
Published: 19th May 2011
This weekend, 80 firefighters will descend on Parkes to pit their skills and expertise against each other in round two of the 2011 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Firefighter Championships.FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins described the competition as a chance for firefighters to test their skills against their colleagues and a great opportunity for the community to see first hand just how firefighters respond to emergencies.
Over two days, 25 teams of firefighters from NSW and Victoria will compete in 11 events designed to reflect the skills and expertise modern firefighters use every day, including using pumps, hoses, breathing apparatus, ladders and rescue equipment.
Commissioner Mullins said he was looking forward to heading to Parkes for round two of this year's State Championships, which will be held at Keast Park at the corner of Grenfell and Armstrong Streets.
"This is a great opportunity for firefighters to build relationships between their colleagues, to hone their life-saving skills, and for the community to familiarise themselves with the work that firefighters while picking up vital fire safety tips.
The Parkes Firefighter Championships also provide a valuable opportunity to get fire safety messages out to the community.
"Throughout the weekend, spectators at the Championships will be able to visit a number of educational displays and talk to firefighters about how to prevent and prepare for fires and other emergencies," Commissioner Mullins said.
"It is great to be able to hold the Championships in towns and cities in regional NSW and I hope to see plenty of spectators out supporting the firefighters throughout the competition."