Written about us

Split Seconds

Professionals and volunteers measured their knowledge and skills at firefighters competition in Dombóvár, 29/30 May 2009. NPP Fire Service team won the contest of professionals, ahead of firemen of Szekszárd, Dombóvár and Paks. It was a close fight for the first place. While in previous years NPP fire Service team could win hands down, now ours had to fight for each tenth of second’s advantage since competitors from other fire departments were tough to catch up on us.

NPP Fire Service team members:

1. János Cseh
2. János Hingl
3. József Horváth
4. Norbert Nagy
5. Szilárd Papp
6. István Suplicz
7. Tamás Szabó
8. Ferenc Széles
9. István Wolf
10. Tamás Gyöngyösi

This year, Disaster Management Directorate of Tolna County hosted its annual challenge cup in Dombóvár on 29/30 May. Though professional firefighters were invited to the contest, NPP Fire Service team continued a more than a decade-long tradition by entering this tough trial of strength of pros, competing with one another on equal terms.
Next day, 30 May, volunteers’ competition followed professionals’ one, with a field of voluntary firefighters from 20 to 25 Tolna County settlements who measured their strength, skills and speed.
According to Tournament Regulations, teams of 10 should enter the contest of professionals to get the best possible results in three events, namely the assembly of an 800 l mini pumper, 4x100 m relay and 100 m obstacle course run. The best ones were also competing in individual obstacle course run on a 100 m long course. Also, firemen had an opportunity to try themselves in hook ladder climbing off the competition but within the framework of an in-house contest arranged by Municipal Fire Department of Paks.
I interviewed Mr. Rajmund Pesztericz, trainer of NPP team, and Mr. Tamás Szabó, winner of the individual race, to provide some information on the event.

Rajmund Pesztericz: “The 10 team members were prepared for the contest in two phases; in April and May, training took one day every week, while in the week of the competition, we practiced 8 hours a day, Monday through Thursday. NPP Fire Service’ sports ground is now equipped with all means that could help us practise drills and prepare for such events. The first place is a very good result for our team all the more because we had to face strong competitors. Over the last couple of years, fire staffs of the surrounding settlements have absorbed lots of young people, including sportsmen.

Of course, our team’s average age has also decreased, so the new recruits have to acquire all required technical and practical skills, in addition to maintaining physical fitness. We are proud of the results of ours who could win both the combined competition and the spectacular individual 100 m obstacle course run with ease.

As Civil Defence Col. Antal Mácsai, head of Disaster Management Directorate of Tolna County, emphasized at the closing ceremony, competitors have shown, contrary to their approach to this event in former years, a clearly positive attitude, competitive spirit and eagerness to win, so the competition of professional firefighters has achieved its intended purpose.”
Tamás Szabó: “Just a few months after joining NPP Fire Service in January 2000, I entered for my very first competition. It’s now 8 years I’ve been working for the Fire Service and it is the 8th competition I take part in, this being just like the first one was as I still have some funk as part and parcel of a healthy competitive spirit. As regards the competitors, the field is much more balanced than it was 8 years before when we by far outstripped them. It’s good to see teams developing from year to year, and to see new faces to turn up every year.

The new generation has a stronger presence than ever before. In our team, I am the second oldest one with my 30 years. Sometimes it’s a matter of split seconds to win a competition when age matters much; it really makes difference that you are 30 or 22. I engage in some sport, football with my friends, only for an amusement. I enjoyed all events of the competition; they were a pleasure for me rather than a burden. It’s now the third time that I managed to win the individual race.” NPP firemen are characterized by an exceptional team spirit, which was manifested in this victory, as well. They have done thorough and really good work in preparing for the contest where not only speed but also routine and practice did matter. Thanks to this, means getting slippery and wet because of unfavourable weather conditions were not a handicap for them, and they could run a good time.

by Mrs. Anna Lovásziné
Magyar Tűzoltó – May 2009