Jeff Dean (File Photo)
A video of two boys cheering him on brought Perth firefighter Jeff Dean to tears during a week of competition against some of the world’s best.
He returned home with a personal best, a spot in the finals and a message for local kids: coming from a small town does not limit what they can achieve.
Dean finished 13th among 33 firefighters in his age category at the Firefighter Challenge World Championship, held Oct. 19–24 in Las Vegas.
Speaking with LanarkLeedsToday.ca’s Brian Perkin, the 48-year-old described a demanding course completed in full firefighting gear while breathing through an air tank. Competitors carry and hoist heavy hoses, climb stairs, swing a sledgehammer and drag a rescue mannequin.
During the competition, a video arrived showing Perth assistant fire chief Andy’s sons, Wyatt and Jake, joining in from home.
That day, Dean recorded a personal best of one minute 47 seconds, earning his place in the finals by a single second.
All five of his runs were under two minutes. Between races, competitors encouraged one another, shared advice and built friendships across international borders.
Dean hopes his experience encourages young people in Perth.
The enthusiasm is spreading. More area firefighters have expressed interest in training alongside him, building fitness and connections that can carry into emergency calls.
Dean also hopes Perth could eventually host a regional competition. For now, his next step is back to the gym, preparing to improve again.
Listen To Brian’s complete chat with Jeff below.
