GRDM Firefighters achieve great results at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

For Immediate release
28 July 2023

Yesterday, 27 July 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services firefighters participated in the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge. The competition was held in Johannesburg.

This is the third year that Dräger hosted the Combat Challenge, where firefighters are tested displaying their skills and fitness while getting hands-on experience with the latest firefighting equipment and technology available.

The team members who participated in the challenge include: Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter), Heinrich Leslie (Platoon Commander), Petrus Jordaan (Firefighter), Kevin Lee Gericke (Senior Firefighter) and Branville Abrahams (Senior Firefighter).

In the Team Relay events, the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services team excelled, securing the top position in the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Event Overall categories. Their performance in the MTG Rescue Operations Course earned them a second place. The Overall Relay Results show that the team displayed their impressive capabilities, securing an impressive second place.

Emile Conrad dominated multiple categories. He won the Overalls Categories, including the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Challenge Overall, where he earned two first-place finishes. Conrad also won the Overall Age Category (35 – 40), securing his position as the top performer with a first-place finish in the Overall Results.

Heinrich Leslie secured second places in the Age Category 30 – 35 Overalls and the Fire Fighting CrossFit Events Overalls.

Petrus Jordaan, achieved a first-place finish in the Age Category 45 – 49 Overalls, adding to the teams overall success. The team is congratulated for representing GRDM with passion and pride.

The main event on the calendar is yet to come with the South African Toughest Firefighter Alive competition taking place in Mossel Bay which will again be hosted by the Mossel Bay Municipality over the weekend of 05 – 07 October 2023.

Many local firefighters will be in action, competing with the country’s best. GRDM hopes to see you there!

Feature Image: GRDM Fire & Rescue Service Firefighters embracing their winning medals at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

ENDS