Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service compete for top spot at Virtual Firefighter Challenge event

The Cheshire Firefighter Challenge is a virtual event, and the various challenges were completed by individuals or teams by fire and rescue services nationally.

Operational staff who took part, had to follow a course, wearing full firefighting PPE including breathing apparatus, and boots, helmet, and gloves for non-operational staff. The challenge consisted of a 200-metre shuttle run, a 20m hose reel drag, a 20m hose reel pull, a foam drum carry (carrying four 25 kilograms foam drums for 10m), rolling out a full length of 25m hose, making up the same length hose, a 50m hose run and a 50m 70kg casualty drag.

This was the first year fire staff were able to take part in the challenge and it was a good opportunity for the service to support one another.

The firefighters from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service achieved the following results:

• Matt Adams won second place in his age category.
• Teresa Waplington won first place in her age category.
• Rachel Smith won first place in her category.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have raised over £2,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity by running their annual virtual event - with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue’s entry fees contributing to almost £300!

The GFRS Firefighter Challenge Team have had a busy year competing in events all across the country and this was a very successful end of the season for them. They have raised over £3,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity. This is an amazing achievement that will go towards the work the charity does to support current and retired fire service staff and their families.

The team are excited to see what 2024 has in store for them.