Tertius Engelbrecht, Station Officer at Midvaal Local Municipality’s Fire Department, is set to represent South Africa on the global stage at the 15th World Firefighter Games in Aalborg, Denmark. The World Firefighter Games are often considered the “Olympic Games” for firefighters. Tertius, who has been a dedicated member of the Midvaal Fire and Rescue for over 20 years, was selected as one of 11 firefighters to compete against 3000 firefighters from around the world in this event, taking place from 7th to 14th September 2024.

Tertius has consistently showcased his skills and leadership in various firefighting competitions throughout his career, in addition to being one of the main organisers of the annual Fit to Fight Fire competition and expo. His achievements include setting world records, leading his team to numerous victories, and earning the respect and admiration of his peers.

Some of his notable accolades include:

World Record: Fire Truck Pull (2015, SAESI)

Best Technical Team: SAESI 2017 Vehicle Extrication Challenge (3rd place overall)

DRAGER SA Toughest Firefighters Challenge: 1st Place Team Event (2023) and 2nd Place Individual Event (2024)

Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa: 1st Place Over 40 Team Category (2023)

Executive Mayor’s Merit Award: 2022/2023

Midvaal Fit to Fight Fire: 1st Place Team Event (2024)

Midvaal Fit to Fight Fire: 1st Place Over 40 Category (2024)

DRAGER SA Toughest Firefighters Challenge: 1st Place Team Event (2024)

DRAGER SA Toughest Firefighters Challenge: 2nd Place Individual Event (2024)

During the Toughest Firefighter Alive Competition in Mossel Bay in 2023, Tertius took first place in his age category. This was after the 2022 event where he was placed third in his age category. These achievements earned him his well-deserved spot in the South African team for the 15th World Firefighter Games.

In addition to his competitive achievements, Tertius continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to his community and colleagues. He has been instrumental in leading the Midvaal Team to numerous victories. In 2013, Tertius was part of the team that won the prestigious Centrum Guardian Project for working at the bus accident that claimed 19 lives in 2012.

As he prepares to take on this international challenge, Tertius expresses his gratitude to those who have made this journey possible:

Midvaal Local Municipality, the Executive Mayor, Ald. Peter Teixeira and Municipal Manager, Mr. Anton Groenewald

Century Electrical

ETS Emergency Training Solutions

Dr. R. Barclay (Langebaan)

Industrial Fire and Hazard Control

Hamilton Hydraulics Services (LUKAS Hydraulics)

DE Steyn

H Fowlds

“I am honoured to represent my Municipality and South Africa as a whole. The support from my colleagues, my devoted wife, and my two children has been incredible, and I am determined to make them proud on the world stage,” says Tertius.

As Tertius takes on the world, he carries with him the hopes and pride of the entire Midvaal community. He is set to leave with the rest of the South African team on Thursday, 5 September 2024.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MIDVAAL LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

For media enquiries, please contact:

Hettie Fowlds

Communications Officer

HesterF@midvaal.gov.za or 016 360 7627

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