THE city’s retained Metropolitan Fire Service firefighters polished their boots and put their best foot forward during an annual station assessment on Tuesday night.
The Mount Gambier station was among 16 in regional areas vying for the Chief Officer’s Shield for first place in the annual audit and proficiency assessment.
The audit ensures the operational readiness of crews by reviewing their response and actions in a controlled scenario and is an opportunity for firefighters to display their skills and commitment to public safety.
Commander Mark Searcy said retained firefighters had prepared the station and appliances to high standards in hopes of securing the coveted first place shield.
“The annual audit is a competition between all the regional stations,” Commander Searcy said.
“Assistant chief fire officers Phil Kilsby and Peter Mason from the Wakefield Street station in Adelaide are here to assess the station tonight.
“They have looked at the personal protective equipment and looked over all the appliances, checked equipment stowage and cleanliness and the cleanliness of the station.”
Following the audit, firefighters completed a simulated training exercise.
“The assessors created a scenario outside in the car park, in this case a drum of unknown hazardous liquid has been spilled,” Commander Searcy said.
“The crew will respond and will be assessed on how they handle the situation.”
Commander Searcy said the Mount Gambier station had placed first in the annual competition on eight occasions.
“Our last first place win was in 2012,” he said.
“We have placed second four times and our most recent award for runner up was in 2015.
“It would be great to be recognised as one of the most outstanding regional stations again this year.”
Retained firefighter Mark Norton was presented with an Exemplary Service Medal for his 10 years of service during a brief ceremony before the audit began.
