Melton has taken the top spot in the Urban Juniors division of the 2023 Firefighter State Championships for the third year running.
The event ran by the CFA in partnership with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) sees teams compete in events based on practical fire fighting activities, with the focus on physical fitness, teamwork and equipment skills by using hoses, hydrants, and more.
Urban Junior competition events ran from 9am on Saturday March 18 through until the afternoon of Sunday March 19 in Maroopna.
Melton A coach and Junior Leader Anthony Rhodes said the team didn’t take anything for granted.
“This was our toughest year. We had a very young side and they put in a great effort,” he said.
“We certainly didn’t think it was a done deal going into the weekend. We had three teams in every age group and always try to develop the kids every year.
“Our motto is ‘we don’t own the jumper’. What we mean by that is the kids get the opportunity to create history and then they pass the jumper down to the next person.”
CFA deputy chief officer Jean Dyzel said Championships are an important tradition for members.
“I’d particularly like to acknowledge the impact of the 2022 Victorian floods on the local community and thank them for once again welcoming us to Shepparton and Mooroopna,” she said.
“The State Championships are not only important to our Juniors, they are a highlight of the CFA annual calendar.”
The Melton Juniors team has won four of the last five competitions.
