The Fire Brigade Championships (as we know them today) began as ‘Demonstrations’ where fire brigades showcased their skills to the local community. Events at the ‘Demo’ are based on real situations that firefighters face daily and are designed to highlight their talent, expertise, and were used as a way to train firefighters. State Firefighting Championships now continue to be one of Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW; formerly NSW Fire Brigades) most longstanding and proudest traditions.
This week, our Championship historian and guest blogger John Hand, takes us back 10 years to the 2014 Championships in Kelso.
Ten years ago, Kelso hosted the New South Wales Fire Brigade (NSWFB) State Championships for the first time. Whilst the team had enjoyed success previously, taking the State title in 2004, 2010 and 2012, they hosted a successful 2014 event and finished in third position.
The poster promoting the 2014 State Championships featured Trangie’s Tony Terry displaying his considerable firefighting skills.
Tony’s first State Championships was at Port Macquarie in 1988 and will be competing at his 18th State Championship at Wagga Wagga in October. Along with numerous Zone, Regional and Australasian competitions he brings decades of experience to the championships.
Taking you back to Kelso, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins AFSM welcomed the 39 competing teams for the 35th NSW State Championships: "Retained firefighters are an integral part of the internationally recognised and greatly admired work done by Fire & Rescue NSW throughout the State, nationally and internationally. Retained firefighters provide the bulk of our emergency response capability throughout regional NSW. Firefighter Championships provide firefighters with additional opportunities to hone and showcase a range of firefighting and rescue skills that modern firefighters use every day. Importantly, the Championships also provide an opportunity to enhance safety, to strengthen bonds of friendship and mutual respect between firefighters."
Dorrigo took the top prize and was represented by Dave Hitchcock, Tony Noble, Brett Keogh, Shaun Noble, and Dylan Hitchcock who proved to be the most successful team, establishing record times in four of the five events they won. Second overall, Tamworth set record times in two of their four winning events, despite them having a composite team made up of Alistair Rainer (Glen Innes), Phil Moore (Kootingal), Cam Bice (Finley), Warren Clarke, and Matt Newbery. Kelso, Kootingal Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Wyong then filled up the remainder of the top five places.
A special mention has to be made to Bathurst’s Joseph Platt who established a record in winning the Ladder Practice Event in 7.16 seconds.
Judith Alderdice of Wyong created history in being the first female member of a team to win an event at a State Championship. In winning the Rescue Event in record time Judith opened the door for others to follow. To confirm the team’s ability Wyong also won the Urban Pump and Breathing Apparatus (BA) Event with Judith and fellow team members Jamie Loader, Todd Spilstead and Rick Cole.
The Championships have received long support from Kootingal RFS, Echuca, and Lakes Entrance. Kootingal RFS followed their fourth place in 2014, with second place at the last three State Championships, 2016, 2018 and 2022; a wonderful achievement for a brigade that uses different equipment in their day-to-day firefighting operations. Kootingal were rewarded for their efforts in winning the 2019 Australasian Championships at Tamworth, whilst Echuca took the title in the 2015 Australasian conducted on their home track.
We look forward to the 2024 Championships returning to Wagga Wagga for the third time, with it being the host of the first ‘Demonstration’ in 1932 and again in 1962.
- Story by Championship Historian John Hand
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