The juniors from Melton clearly have their firefighting skills down pat claiming themselves the crown at the latest State Firefighter Championships for the fifth year in a row.
The Urban Juniors went head to head over the weekend of March 22 to 23 for their title but it was team ‘Melton A’ who shone under the spotlight infront of thousands.
Year on year, the championships aim to promote firefighter skills in a competitive and social setting showcasing the camaraderie between brigades and skills of future firefighters.
Melton Fire Brigade second lieutenant, Bailey Rhodes took over the role as coach of Melton A from his father Anthony who had been in the role for about 20 years.
Mr Rhodes led the winning team alongside his brother, Cooper Rhodes and brigade member Denzel as assistant coaches.
Mr Rhodes said the victory was very emotional after a rocky start to the competition over the weekend.
“The team struggled in the first few events but the comeback was incredible to watch,” Mr Rhodes said.
“I shed a few tears after the last event which we had to win to win the championship, I’m not usually an emotional person but I’m immensely proud of the juniors and all their hard work.
“The team has been training since last October around 4 hours a week. It’s also nice to see so many siblings and family connections to Melton Fire Brigade in the team.
“The Championships are all I’ve known since I was born, I’ve watched Dad run in them for many years and competed with my whole family, so to take reign of the team and see them put in all the hard work is an honour to be a part of and a moment I’ll never forget.”
Stawell was over the weekend announced as the new location for the 2026 State Firefighter Championships.
