By Talin Hadlow
THE future of Belgrave Fire Brigade is in good hands, judging by the enthusiasm of the Belgrave Junior Firefighters as they prepare for the 2016 Urban Junior Championships (UJC).
Belgrave Junior Fire Brigade will compete against 78 other teams, from 48 other Victorian brigades, at Tatura Racecourse on 27-28 of February, in a tradition stretching back over 140 years.
Teams will compete in 18 events over two days which will test their skills involving speed and knowledge; while using equipment such as hoses, hitting water targets and working as a unit.
The Championship enforces these skills to be learnt to the best of the Juniors’ ability, to prepare them for future firefighting jobs if they enter the Seniors division.
Belgrave’s Junior Captain Jaymee Grondman, 15, has been attending the Championship since joining the Junior Brigade at age 12 and is looking forward to participating again this year.
“I’m quite excited for the Championship,” Jaymee said.
“I’ve been going to the Championship ever since I started.
“As competitive as it is, the other brigades encourage you from the sidelines.
“As I run along the track for an event, I hear ‘go Belgrave’ from neighbouring brigades.
“It’s the encouragement that really matters.
“If you’re on a call with multiple brigades, you’ve got to be able to work together.”
The competition builds confidence, safety awareness, friendships and leadership skills.
Fourth Lieutenant Tanya Pendlebury at Belgrave Fire Brigade agrees the Championship is a strong way to build team work and firefighting skills.
“It’s all about team work, otherwise we wouldn’t get our job done, Mrs Pendlebury said.
“They do a lot of tasks that are basic fireman ship skills.”
The Belgrave Junior Brigade comprises 13 children, aging from 11 to 16.
Results of the Championship will be posted on www.VFBV.com.au on Monday, 29 February.
