GEORGE NEWS - The toughest firefighter in the entire country is from George and works for the Eden District Municipality (Eden DM) firefighting team. Senior firefighter Emile Conrad again came out tops in the men's individual category at the South African Toughest Firefighter Alive competition at the Roeland Street fire station in Cape Town from 10 to 12 August.
Conrad has won the title ever since he attempted his first TFA competition in 2011 - a total of eight wins! Three other Eden DM firefighters, Deon Stoffels, Edwin Lottering, Branville Abrahams and Martino-Mariano Jacobs, also performed superbly in the individual challenges.
In the Relay Team challenge, the Eden DM team competed against various municipalities and walked away as runners-up, after Ethekwini Municipality.
Conrad extended a word of gratitude to all who supported the team until the end of the competition and added, "I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for His amazing grace, love and overwhelming faithfulness and favour." He thanked the organisers for making the event possible and added that the impact that this event has on the fire services is immeasurable.
Executive manager of Community Services, Clive Africa, who accompanied the team, said the Eden DM firefighters "fought like gladiators" in a very tough competition.
Khutula Maki, the Eden DM team leader and senior firefighter, commended the team for their performance. "Our team was confident and enthusiastic from the beginning until the end of the competition and did not show any signs of fear or panic," he said. "It was an honour to be part of the winning team."
Eden Mayor Memory Booysen (back, right) and officials from his office with the team and their accolades during their visit on 14 August.
Eden DM Mayor Memory Booysen paid a special visit to the team at the Eden DM Fire Station in George on Tuesday 14 August to congratulate them personally. He praised them for their perseverance throughout the years of their involvement in the competition.
"On behalf of Council, management and staff of Eden DM, we wish you well and look forward to many more great achievements from you as a well-renowned and respected Eden DM firefighting team," said Booysen.
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