Firefighters ‘elated, deflated’

A two-man team from Mossburn has returned home with five trophies from the United Fire Brigades’ National Waterway Challenge in Wellington.

The combination of senior firemen Jeff Manson and Stephen Trusler finished second, beaten by a point by Havelock North firefighters Brendon Triplow and Greg Lay, in the two-person challenge at the weekend.

It was a bittersweet feeling for the Southlanders. ‘‘We’re elated with the placing but somewhat deflated with not quite getting there,’’ Manson said.

‘‘We love it [the challenge]. It’s an absolute passion – we’ve put hours and hours into it over the years.’’ Manson and Trusler have competed together at the event for 12 years, with their previous best result being a third placing six years ago.

The challenge tested firefighters’ speed and how they handled equipment, including setting up hydrants, joining hoses together, and pump operating skills.

A points system was used and Manson and Trusler won three of the nine disciplines.

The event doubled as a way to improve firefighters’ skills, Manson said.

‘‘That’s why the UFBA puts these events on, to hone firefighters’ skills . . . It does make a difference.’’

The duo stepped up their training for this year’s challenge, with Manson losing 20 kilograms through cross-training, lifting weights and exercising programme.

A volunteer fireman for 35 years, Manson is a panelbeater and car painter. Trusler, who has been a volunteer fireman for 29 years, travels to Kennington, near Invercargill, for his role as a maintenance manager at a meat processing plant.