Brigade’s red-hot form leading into state firefighting titles

NAPOLEONS Enfield Fire Brigade showed their determination and community spirit at the weekend ahead of the state titles in Stawell.

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

In preparation, their men’s, women’s, 11-to-15-year-old and 11-to-13-year-old squads acquitted themselves well at the Western District titles in Linton at the weekend.

Nick Fammartino, a lieutenant for the brigade and Buninyong’s deputy group officer, said the men finished second on countback, the women third, the 11-to-15-year-old group first and the 11-to-13s took in a wealth of experience in their debut year despite not placing.

He said the district titles featured a competitive field, with brigades from Smythesdale and Mount Buninyong running teams.

Brigades competed in a range of categories, which included work with hydrants, wet hoses and ladders.

Mr Fammartino said there were a lot of promising signs ahead of the state titles.

“This is the first year we’ve ever had a ladies team run,” he said. “They did amazingly, really, really good.

“Eleven-to-15-year-olds, they were flawless for the day. They had one run they got disqualified in and that was just due to one little mishap they had.”

He said such performances served as positive experiences for young people and their community.

“It just proves to the kids that once they set their heart to something that they can do well no matter what they do,” he said.

“It’s good for the community; we can get together.”

Mr Fammartino said the brigade has recently received an influx of young people wanting to try their hand at training. He put the interest down to the brigade’s social media activity.

“We’ve had a lot of interest and, a lot of kids that are under the age of 11,” he said. “So they’re coming out on the training days as well and sort of just getting to be a part of it.

“They don’t need to run, but we let them do other little tasks and stuff.

“We’ve got a lot more parents and stuff coming in now from these younger kids as well. So it’s becoming bigger for the community.”