What does it take to compete among the toughest firefighters in the world? Just ask Syncrude’s Brad Shearing. He claimed gold at this year’s World Firefighters Games in South Korea.
Brad, a Fire Specialist with Emergency Services, first attended the games in 2009 as a volunteer and was one of just three Canadians to compete this year.
“My Fire Captain at that time told me about the games he previously attended with the Fort McMurray World Fire Games Association, ” Brrad says. “Judging by his stories, it was an experience I couldn’t pass up.”
The Games welcome full-time, part-time, volunteer firefighters and emergency response personnel from around the world to compete in more than 50 different sports and challenges, many of which are specific to the role of a firefighter.
In 2012, Brad along with Syncrude employees John Martel and Brian Glaze, joined the Games in Australia as competitors. Together they brought home a total of 12 medals. This year, while at the Games in Chungju, South Korea, he found success again, winning a gold medal in orienteering, a sport that involves navigating using a map and compass, some skills he is trained for as a firefighter.
“Participating in these types of competitions are important to me because I get to represent not only my department, but my country,” says Brad. “They keep me mentally and physically focused on my passion and my career. Most importantly, it gives my son someone to look up to and sets a standard for him to help others in need.”
(Photo: Twitter/@WFG2018Chungju)
The competitions also allow Brad to learn about equipment and techniques used by other teams from around the world, helping to continuously expand their knowledge for Syncrude’s Emergency Services.
Next, Brad is taking on the annual Calgary Stair Climb fundraising event to support those affected by cancer. Good luck, Brad!
