Northants firefighters hoping local community turn up to cheer them on at county’s first ever Firefighter Challenge

Firefighters in Northamptonshire are hoping the local community turns out to cheer them on in a gruelling challenge competition at Rushden Lakes on Saturday July 5.

The first ever Northants Firefighter Challenge – sponsored by Halo Corporate Finance Ltd – will see more than 75 competitors from across the country take on a series of individual and team challenges designed to test both their speed and technique.

These vary from dragging a hose, to rescuing and carrying a dummy casualty and carrying heavy containers – all in full uniform and against the clock.

The team of firefighters representing Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is hoping the local community in Rushden and beyond will turn up to cheer them on, and they also hope to be able to inspire the next generation of firefighters.

Dean Keeber, a Crew Manager on White Watch at Wellingborough Fire Station, has represented the Northamptonshire Firefighter Challenge Team at events across the globe.

He said: “I’ve travelled as far away as Saudi Arabia to represent the Service, so it will be a special moment to compete in front of a home crowd and we hope as many people as possible will turn up to support us.

“The challenge is designed to test firefighters to the maximum of their ability. Not only is it great fun, but it’s a fantastic way of maintaining our fitness and keeping our firefighting skills up to date, which are vital in the job we do to keep people across Northamptonshire safe.

“The event is free to attend, and hopefully it might inspire some people who come and watch to consider becoming a firefighter themselves.”

Anyone thinking of a future career in the Fire Service will be able to speak to the Service’s recruitment team at the event, to find out more about the different roles available.

For younger people, there will be a chance to meet our Emergency Services Cadets and discover how joining can help prepare them for a future career in Fire, Police or Ambulance.

Local Fire crews from Wellingborough, Rushden and Irthlingborough – as well as the Service’s Prevention Team – will also be on hand to advise residents on how to enjoy a safe summer. They will have top tips to hand, whether it’s how to stay safe lighting up a BBQ or swimming in the open water.

The event runs from 9am to 5pm, with individual races taking place in the morning and team relays taking place in the afternoon.

Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said: “I am delighted that Northamptonshire will now be a host venue in the Firefighter Challenge calendar – which will give our own firefighters the opportunity of competing in front of a home crowd.

“I’m expecting the standard to be incredibly high, and we hope that the sight of our firefighters putting their skills into practice will hopefully inspire some future firefighters to consider joining the Service.”

The Northants Firefighter Challenge could not take place without the help of our volunteer workers, and the following sponsors:

Gold Sponsor

Halo Corporate Finance Ltd – For over 20 years, Halo Corporate Finance has been a trusted partner for UK SMEs, delivering bespoke funding solutions tailored to their unique needs. Since its inception in 2005, Halo has supported more than 22,000 businesses and facilitated nearly £1 billion in commercial finance. Backed by a dedicated team of 68 professionals and a diverse panel of over 130 lenders, the company has built a strong reputation for providing flexible, expert financial support to small and medium enterprises across the UK.

Silver Sponsors

Redcorn Limited is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most professional and modern vehicle recycling centres and disposal agents. They specialise in scrapping unwanted cars or vans and are now one of the leading scrap vehicle services.

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. Through their network of strategically located offices, they deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, water, defence, justice, the civic and civil estate.

Wilson Browne Solicitors’ reputation has grown as a business you can trust, through straight forward, jargon-free support, and their ability to get things done. They cover all areas of Private Client and Commercial Law including Wills, Trusts and Estates, all things to do with property (private and commercial) family law, childcare law, disputes and debt recovery. They have six offices in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire and are among the leading lawyers for individuals, their families and businesses in the East Midlands.

Bronze Sponsors

HAIX Gear UK – a global functional footwear specialist which supplies top quality firefighter boots.

Gore-Tex – Gore-Tex’s innovative protective fabric technologies are found in jackets, pants, footwear, gloves and more.

Taylor Made Tuning – a servicing, vehicle repair, carbon cleaning and general mobile services company covering Northampton and the East Midlands.

Thanks also to Curry’s. The store at Nene Valley Retail Park in Northampton specialises in white goods, consumer electronics, computers, televisions and mobile phones

We would also like to thank DJS Entertainment, T Jolley Photos, EMAS and Speedy Hire PLC for their contributions and help in supporting the event.