Brigade does towns proud at state firefighting titles

NAPOLEONS Enfield Fire Brigade reached the podium at the recent Victorian titles.

The brigade came second overall at the CFA/Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria State Championships on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March at Stawell North Park Recreation Reserve.

Its 11 to 15 A grade placed first, the 11 to 15 Bs fifth while the brigade’s women finished third in their first state title campaign. The men’s and 11 to 13s also contributed to the brigade’s overall success.

Nick Fammartino, a lieutenant for the brigade and Buninyong’s deputy group officer, said there was a large field, with at least 60 senior and 48 junior teams competing.

“I think it’s just there’s been a bit more involvement with brigades and stuff and people have seen how good it is for the kids,” he said.

Mr Fammartino said the brigade and its towns got a lot out of competing in the titles.

“Physically they get a few medals and stuff, which is great for the kids to pump up their tyres and make them feel good about what they’ve achieved,” he said.

“But at the same time, it’s more around showing the kids and everyone that we can work as a team and what we set our hearts to we can do.

“It shows that we’re not just a fire service, we’re coaches as well for kids, and it’s not just a one-stop service for going out and fighting fires, it’s also there to help bring the community together and bring kids together.”

He said it gave the brigade’s junior members a pastime, along with the values of working together as a unit and within the community.