The dream of a tour aboard the world’s most cutting-edge fireboat could come true for a firefighting team.

IVECO MAGIRUS is on the look-out for the best firefighting squad in the world for the Conrad Dietrich Magirus Award: all volunteers, professionals and private firefighters from 193 different countries can submit their entry on the web www.world-of-firefighters.com until 8th September. The winners will be treated to an exclusive trip to New York with the chance for a glimpse behind the scenes of one of the world’s most famous municipal fire departments.

The trip will include air travel, 4 nights’ accommodation and an exclusive programme for 10 lucky winners. The winning team will be welcomed by a representative of the New York Fire Department and will have the opportunity to get to know the complexities of the field in which their American counterparts work. The winners will also be able to visit various fire stations around the city, to chat to the firefighters there and, who knows, maybe even go out on a call. In addition, an excursion to “The Rock” Academy on Randall’s Island to witness firsthand the training their US colleagues undergo.

The world’s most advanced fireboat

A visit to the Marine 1 fireboat will surely be one of the most exciting moments for technology fans. With a top speed of 18 knots, this US$27 million boat is considered the most advanced of its kind. As well as a vast range of equipment and cutting–edge technology, Marine 1 has a pump capacity of nearly 190,000 litres per minute and, thanks to its excess pressure system and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, is protected against the effects of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents. It is also equipped with a crane with a telescopic arm, basket stretcher and a video camera that can be controlled remotely from the bridge. With a bit of luck, the award winners will also be able to go out for a trip on the Hudson River on board the Marine 1.

In order to try your luck, you can find the entry form and details about the competition on the website www.world-of-firefighters.com. All you have to do is submit a brief incident report containing the most important details on the order of events and tactical measures taken, along with pictures of the call out. Only incidents that took place after 1st October 2012 are eligible. After the deadline a prominent international jury of experts will select the finalists and that any enthusiast of firefighting worldwide will then be able to cast their vote online at www.world-of-firefighters.com from 23rd September to 14th October to select the firefighting team of the year. The top three teams will be invited to the award ceremony on 22^nd November 2013 in Ulm, Germany, where IVECO MAGIRUS is based.

Priceless devotion to duty

The aim of the competition is to focus on the exceptional work carried out by the firefighters of the world and to increase public awareness of their devotion to duty in serving the community. “The social commitment of these men and women is priceless” explains Tobias Knebel from IVECO MAGIRUS, the event organizer. “And still, firefighters seldom receive the public recognition they deserve in many countries. That’s something we would like to change with the Conrad Dietrich Magirus Award”.