Skytower Challenge 2011

Aaron van Orden, an Eagle Technology staff member at Ruapehu District Council, and a member of the Taumarunui Volunteer Fire Brigade, was part of a team of 7 from the Ruapehi District who joined firefighters from around New Zealand on Saturday, 21st May to compete in the Sky Tower Challenge. Eagle Technology was proud to have sponsored Aaron, who completed the climb in 18 mins 46s.

Aaron trains every Wednesday night as a volunteer, which consists of running out hoses, water drills, ladder drills, relaying water from one fire truck to another, Motor Vehicle Accident/Jaws of Life Training, First Aid, as well as general knowledge on techniques, tools, equipment, familiarization with properties or locations unique to our area, and of course Fire/Rescue drills with Breathing Apparatus.

Aaron has so far completed New Zealand Fire Service training programs for Recruit Fire Fighter and Fire Fighter qualification, and is studying to obtain Qualified Fire Fighter status.

Aaron put in some extra running in training for the challenge, and said of the event, "It really gave me a better understanding of what it would be like to have to climb in a real emergency."

The Ruapehu team raised more than $3000 for the Leukemia and Blood Foundation.

Every day 6 children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The LBF is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families.