Fire-fighting is a family affair at Trangie, with a very special crew taking part in the 2024 State Firefighter Championships at Wagga Wagga from today 24 October to Saturday 26.

Held every two years, the championships provide Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) teams with an opportunity to sharpen their skills in a competitive setting. Teams participate in events such as “rescue,” “booster valve,” “ladder,” and “high-rise bag,” testing their stamina, attention to detail, and teamwork.

Trangie Fire Station Captain Wade Haines leads a unique crew with deep family ties.

"Our team consists of a father and son, as well as an uncle and nephew," he said. “It’s special for us, there is me with my dad, Mark Haines, and John Terry with his uncle, Tony Terry.

"We've been competing together for 10 years, with over 100 years of combined firefighting experience."

Mr Haines said over that time, they have had plenty of success, finishing high in the rankings and continuing to the Australasian Firefighting Championships where crews from Australia and New Zealand compete.

“This is always the goal, and we hope that this week, we can qualify for the next one. There hasn’t been a location or date announced yet, but it’s a great event.”

It's a family affair at the 2024 State Firefighter Championships this week with a father/ son, and uncle/ nephew crew from Trangie getting involved.

Tony Terry, the longest-serving competitor at the championships, has been participating for 36 years straight.

“Tony is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to firefighting operations,” Mr Haines said. “The camaraderie at the competition is fantastic. It’s a chance to learn, meet new friends, and catch up with old ones.”

Mr Haines told Western Plains App that the team was looking forward to the competition and would report in with the results.

FRNSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Gary Barber emphasized the event's value.

“The championships not only enhance firefighters’ skills but benefit our communities. The lessons learned here are applied in real-life scenarios like structure fires and rescue operations.”

Spectators are invited to attend, with the week’s festivities culminating in a community engagement event on Friday at the Wagga Beach Riverside Precinct. The evening will feature a performance by the FRNSW Band, a torchlight procession, and fireworks.

For more information, visit www.firefighterchampionships.com.