Oct 05 - Fire And Rescue Service Takes Gold And Silver In Portugal
Three members of the Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service travelled up to Porto to take part in the Portuguese version of the Firefighter Combat Challenge.
The competition includes a five-storey stair climb with a high-rise pack, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance, and a victim rescue. The primary purpose for the Firefighter Combat Challenge is to promote physical fitness, an essential part of structural firefighting, and highlight the physical demands that are faced by firefighters on a daily basis as presented to them through vigorous training and duties, which is ultimately to save property and life.
The three local firefighters drove all the way up to Porto in a vehicle kindly supplied by Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings Ltd. The long drive did not hamper the men’s determination with all men providing outstanding performances.
Firefighter Eric Abudarham achieved 4th place, Firefighter Pratts earned Silver and Firefighter Coulthard finished in the top spot to bring back the Gold. This was the last European competition ahead of this October’s World Championships to be held in Montgomery, USA.
The guys are delighted with the results but are now firmly focused on the World Championships saying: “We are thrilled we were able to do ourselves and Gibraltar proud; importantly for us, putting in good performances ahead of the Worlds has given us a boost and our sights are fully set on doing Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service proud internationally”.
Firefighters Coulthard, McGrail, Abudarham and Pratts would like to thank the kind generosity of friends and local businesses which have helped support them so far.
The team is still seeking financial help, so if anybody would like to support them and be a part of their journey, please contact them via their Facebook page where you can also follow the team on their endeavours.
Pic: Left to right - Julian McGrail, Eric Abudarham, Dylan Pratts and Matt Coulthard.
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