Anthony Rhodes at state championships
CFA is encouraging brigades across the state to compete in this year's CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships in March.
The events are once again being held at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve across two weekends.
Urban Junior State Championships will kick off on 22 and 23 March. The Senior Urban, Junior Rural, and Senior Rural events are being held at the same site the following weekend, 29 and 30 March.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the State Championships have always been an integral part of CFA since they began in 1874.
“The Championships are a great way to show the endurance and reliability of brigades as well as promoting leadership, mental wellbeing, and physical fitness with all competitors celebrated for having a go,” Jason said.
"The Championships are one of the most exciting events on the CFA calendar and a great opportunity for our members to engage in friendly competition with their brigade and fellow firefighters.
“It’s also a great way for the community to see what we do and hopefully we can inspire them to join their local brigades.
“I highly recommend brigades to get involved in the event which includes practical firefighting activities using hoses, hydrants and other equipment. It’s also fantastic for teamwork and comradeship.”
Captain of Melton Fire Brigade, Anthony Rhodes, has been competing and coaching teams in the State Championships since he was a teenager and said he loves the family aspect of the event.
Not only does he compete and coach alongside his sons he said other members become like your family too.
"I love the camaraderie," Anthony said.
"It doesn't matter where you're from it is a real family feeling.
"It gives you a good opportunity to socialise and meet people and then you run into them on strike teams or just out and about and you really feel connected."
Anthony competed in the junior division before becoming a senior competitor. He also spent many years as a coach for both junior and senior teams at Melton brigade.
"I used to coach the juniors, but when my two sons came along I decided to step back from that and just be a dad," he said.
This year he is both competing in the senior open running team and coaching the senior women's teams, he said he can't wait to share the event with his boys and extended firefighting family.
"Champs allow members and family to have an outlet and have a little bit of fun.
To anyone thinking of signing up Anthony said, "today is the day".
"When people go to fires, we don't always deal with great things. This is a great outlet because it isn't life or death, it is just a bit of fun," he said.