February 2011 Message from the President
3rd February 2011The new year is now well underway, and for those who had a break over the past few weeks, I’m sure it was deserved and well enjoyed.
To those who did stay at home and answered the calls, we thank you and your families for your dedication and keeping up the public’s expectation that the Fire Service will always be there!
As with most years, nature throws many challenges to us over this time including droughts, floods, high winds, even continuing earthquakes, but our brigades are ready for any challenge to assist the people in their communities.
The regional waterway challenges have begun, and teams have been training hard to improve their times in preparation for the national event at Carterton from 24th – 26th February. The Carterton brigade has created a great track for this event, and it worked very well at the Region 2 Waterway Challenge in January.
Of course, waterways are not the only challenges on the schedule. The Combat Challenges in March and April are skill-building and fun opportunities to prove to yourself and others that you ‘have what it takes’. Slightly less physical is the National Drivers Challenge at Ruapuna on 28th May. I urge any member who is interested in getting involved in any of the challenges to log onto the UFBA website for more information. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events.
Remember to keep safe and enjoy what you do.
Ian Lindsay
UFBA President