More than 100 retained (on-call) Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters from 23 fire stations across the state, as well as representatives from the Rural Fire Service, Country Fire Authority and New Zealand took part in the event.

Armidale station officer Steve McWhirter said two officers from Armidale station and one who was recently transferred to Tamworth went down compete.

“It’s a four-man team so we picked up a runner from another team for every event,” Steve said.

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“In the over all point score we came seventh out of 23 odd teams, so we did pretty well.”

Steve said the competitors had not had any training runs at all.

“We have run together throughout the year at minor events, but this one was a State championship and it’s held every two-years,” he said.

“In the lead-up to that, they have about three each year three of what they call regional or zone championships. So, we’ve been running together for quite a while, but this one on the weekend was a bit ad hoc,” 

Steve said the event was a great showcase of the skill and expertise of our retained firefighters, who respond to emergencies from work or home and play a vital role ensuring the safety of people, property and the environment across hundreds of regional communities in NSW.

“After three days of tough competition, Fire and Rescue NSW Wyong came out on top. Kootingal RFS placed second and Bega third. Armidale came away with two third placings, three fourths and a fifth for their seventh. Congratulations to all competitors.

Steve said Armidale was due to host the first of the regional championships for 2019 at Jack Valance Oval on March16-17 .

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