Firefighters hail Games successes

Nov 21 2012 by Gemma Jaleel, Birkenhead News

FIREFIGHTERS from Wirral battled it out against other fire crews from all over the globe at the World Firefighters Games.

Watch manager Steve Taylor and firefighter Gary Quinlan, from Wallasey Community Fire Station, and Roy Stewart and Mark Robinson, from Birkenhead Community Fire Station, flew to Sydney, in Australia, to compete in the games which take place every two years.

They were also joined by Jason McCormack, from Kensington Community Fire Station, Paul Rankin, from Old Swan Community Fire Station, and Damian Lewis, from Toxteth Community Fire Station.

Jason took part in the indoor rowing category and held on to the World Champion title for the second Games on the run.

He also joined Paul and Mark in the dragon boat racing event in which they secured silver as part of a combined Merseyside and South African team.

Jason said: “I heard comments that it would be a lot more difficult in Australia, but I had a lot of support and the morale was great.”

Watch manager Steve Taylor also secured a gold medal and a bronze for ten pin bowling, which makes seven medals in the past four Games.

Firefighter Gary Quinlan and retired firefighter Norman Hendrie both received silver in the French boules doubles event.

The Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Football Team also travelled over to Sydney to compete in the week-long event, which is held every two years.

They reached the semi-final of the event but were knocked out by Hong Kong.