Echuca CFA has claimed victory at a coveted firefighting competition, making history in the process. Pictured is Nathan Taylor, Mark Hooper, Rhys Pontelandolfo and Jordan Simpson.
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Echuca CFA has made history, becoming the first Victorian team to win a prestigious award at an interstate competition.
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The brigade took home the Alfred Webb Cup, winning the 40th biannual NSW State Firefighter Championships, held in Wagga Wagga this year.
Since 1932, the three-day competition has provided station volunteers with an opportunity to practise, enhance and showcase critical fire ground skills competitively.
Echuca first lieutenant Mark Hooper, one of eight members in the winning brigade, said the victory was a special moment.
“Our brigade has a proud history of competing in championships, and winning the Alfred Webb Cup as the only non-NSW team to do so is one of our greatest achievements,” Mr Hooper said.
The two Echuca teams in the State Championships. Pictured is (back row) Mark Hooper, Jordan Simpson, Nathan Taylor and Martyn Currey, and (front row) Colin Atkinson, Rhys Pontelandolfo, Sophie Amos, and Kirra Strickleton.
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In what was a dramatic finish, the championship title was decided in the final event.
“We needed a third-place finish to hold on to our lead,” Mr Hopper said.
“Initially, we were edged into fourth place by just a tenth of a second. But, as fate would have it, the team ahead of us received a time penalty, which moved us up into third, and secured us the championship.”
The Alfred Webb Cup is awarded to the brigade with the most points accrued throughout the championships.
Mr Hopper said the brigade had extra motivation this year, having had to withdraw at the last minute in 2022 due to severe flooding in Echuca.
Brigades undertake competitive training at the NSW state championships every two years.
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The state championships provide a valuable training opportunity for brigades, helping to refine firefighting technique and strategy.
“The skills are immediately transferable to the fire ground. It’s all about replicating what would occur in a firefighting situation,” Mr Hopper said.
Two teams from Echuca were sent to the competition, with the A team securing the win and the B team finishing 12th out of 24 competitors in its debut appearance.
Brigade captain Daniel Moylan said he was incredibly proud of both teams.
“It’s a huge achievement to see the A side come away with the win, and it’s fantastic to see the B side finish strong in their first championship appearance,” he said.
“The time and dedication each member put into training truly paid off, and it’s great to see their hard work rewarded on such a competitive stage.
“Hopefully, we can hold on to the cup in two years’ time.”
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