WE ALL know that Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) firefighters are a hardy bunch but this week the guys and gals are really pushing the boat out.
Actually, it’s not a boat they’re pushing but rather a 1/2 tonne portable fire pump. . .from Dublin to Belfast. But pushing it isn’t a tough enough test for our firefighting heroes and they’ll be running with the pump for the gruelling 164.5 kilometre push.
The convoy will leave Swords Village on Wednesday (July 31) at 10pm and the relay charity
‘pump push’ is expected to arrive in Belfast some 16 hours later, just in time for the opening ceremony of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG). The cross border initiative by the Dubs is being greatly supported by their colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and their progress can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube by searching for DFB PUMP PUSH.
This is only the third time that the World Police and Fire Games will be held in Europe. WPFGF is made up of serving and retired fire, police and prison officers from across the world.
Its mission is to create community interaction and awareness, educate children on the benefits of sport and develop camaraderie between members of the emergency services from around the world.
During the Games some 66 Dublin firefighters will be representing their country in a wide spectrum of events. The Games run from August 1-10 in Belfast and details are available on their website at www.2013wpfg.com
The guys and girls from DFB have been training hard since April for the games and the
‘pump push’ event and their efforts will help raise the profile and boost the coffers of three well deserved Irish charities.
Benefiting from the charity push will be IMNDA, who provide care for people with Motor Neurone Disease, SOS Suicide or Survive who tackle the stigma associated with mental health issues and CanTeen Ireland who support young people with cancer.
You can make a donation online atmycharity.ie/event/dublin_fire_brigade