Simba is top dog at World Firefighter Games

Sep 11 2008 By Kat Keogh

A BIRMINGHAM search and rescue dog swapped barking for bling after striking gold in the World Firefighter Games.

Firefighter Paul Jobbins and pet pooch Simba joined more than 5,000 competitors from across the globe to bag a four-medal haul at the event in Merseyside.

Bickenhill Station Technical Rescue Unit fireman Paul and his trainee rescue dog wowed the judges in the Iron Dog competition to take first place in the overall competition plus gold in an agility test.

Paul had set up a mini high jump in the garden of his Tyseley home for four-year-old Simba to train on in the run up to the games.

The 44-year-old said: “I’d heard about the games before and thought it would be a bit of a laugh.

“But when I got there, I was flabbergasted at the amount of teams that had come form all over the world. I put all the medals on Simba after we won – he looked like Mr T from the A-Team!”

The pair also came second in a cross country challenge and third in water rescue event.

Paul added that he always knew Simba was a champion dog.

He said: “He was clearing at least 3 ft with the high jump so I thought we were in with a chance.”

Paul and Simba joined more than 50 firefighters and support staff from West Midlands Fire Service who competed in events including shooting, karate, golf and rugby.

Other gold-star performances included Sara Hall from Bournbrook Red Watch, who took home two gold, two bronze and a silver in swimming, plus Bournbrook Green Watch firefighter Ryan Donaldson and Danny Smith from Northfield Station who punched their way to gold in boxing.

Chief Fire Officer Frank Sheehan said: “I am extremely proud of all of our people who took part in the World Firefighter Games. They were all excellent ambassadors for West Midlands Fire Service and the region they serve.

“The collection of medals they have brought back from Merseyside is very impressive and they should all be proud of their achievements.”

Around £50,000 was raised at the games for the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports injured firefighters and their dependents.