LIMESTONE Coast firefighters put their skills to the test on Tuesday night during the annual Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) regional station proficiency and audit assessments.
The state-wide process involves 16 MFS regional stations competing for five awards.
Mount Gambier MFS regional commander Mark Searcy said the event was a great way to showcase the station’s skills.
“I am really proud of how everyone performed during the assessment,” he said.
“We were successful in winning first place last year and I believe the boys have made an even bigger impression this time around.
“Hopefully we can go back to back and show just how great our service is here in the Limestone Coast.”
MFS Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Regional Operations Phil Kilsby said the assessments were an opportunity for MFS retained firefighters to demonstrate operational excellence and readiness through a range of controlled exercises.
“The pride of MFS retained crews will be on display during the assessment process, which focuses on team efforts in operational proficiency through incident command and control, safety, rescue and use of resources,” Mr Kilsby said.
“The crews enjoy the competition between stations and know they are also demonstrating and impressing assessors with their dedication to community safety and spirit.
“Stations, appliances and equipment are prepared by local MFS retained firefighters to such high standards ahead of this process, ensuring each year brings a very tight and close competition in the selection of award winners.”
Assessments are held during training evenings and are open to families.
They are an integral part of the crew bonding and working together to build on their response capabilities.
“The assessment evenings are an exciting way for MFS retained firefighters to demonstrate their skills and knowledge,” Mr Kilsby said.
“MFS crews play an important role in protecting South Australian regional communities through responding to a wide range of emergency incidents.”
