JAMBEROO Rural Fire Brigade have returned triumphant after representing Illawarra District Rural Fire Service at the Shoalhaven RFS Bi-annual Field Day at Nowra Showground last week.
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Jamberoo sent a team of seven: Mongo Delamont, Cameron McInerney, Bob Parker, Jeremy Quinn, Dave Brennan, Hannah McInerney and John Temlett to Nowra to take part in six, timed events, with 10 teams taking part. Jamberooo was the only team from outside the Shoalhaven.
Events and challenges were planned to be as close as possible to the sort of fire and other emergencies the RFS would face and as such acted as preparation to the start of the fire season on October 1.
The events involved the team using a variety of firefighting skills including hose work, remote water pumping, firefighting using water from hydrants, equipment knowledge, driving skills and emergency and safety procedures.
In addition, Cameron McInerney and Mongo Delamont took part in a particularly complex chainsaw event which saw them take on a variety of difficult challenges. Mr McInerney excelled with the chainsaw while being ably advised and assisted by Mr Delamont and they comprehensively took out first prize in that event.
As well as winning the chainsaw event , Jamberoo came second in three other events meaning they took out first place overall, gaining a gold cup as winning some equipment for use in the brigade and a jacket and hat for each competitor.
“While we are obviously incredibly proud of winning the event, the team training that goes into preparing for a competition like this is invaluable for laying the ground work for the real life scenarios we face at bush fires and other incidents,” Jamberoo brigade Training Officer and team manager Hannah McInerney said.
“Everybody gains from these events and just taking part is a useful experience, however, winning is certainly the icing on the cake.” Crew Leader Mongo Delamont said he was very pleased with the way the crew performed and the result justified the hard work that went into the preparation for the day.
“We all got a lot out of the experience. I just hope we will get an invite back next time so we can defend our title,” Mr Delamont said.
“The Jamberoo crew would like to thank the Shoalhaven RFS for inviting us to attend what was an extremely well planned and organised day and thank the Illawarra District RFS for their support as well as the members of Jamberoo brigade for their encouragement. “