Firies hose down wanderlust

Two members of the South Hedland Volunteer Fire and Rescue team will represent Australia at the Delray Beach St Patrick’s Day Parade in Florida on Saturday.

Volunteer firefighters Wayne Clarke and Rob Fry will be the only Australians in the parade, which organisers describe as a tribute to international firefighters.

Mr Clarke attended the event last year. He said around 2000 firefighters marched with more than 100,000 people watching.

“Last year I was the only international firefighter so they really looked after me,” he said.

“I had someone chaperoning me pretty much from when I woke up to when I went to bed.

“I was blown away with the hospitality last year. It was well worth the trip over.”

With another Australian on board and a contingent of firefighters from Belgium also set to attend the parade, Mr Clarke said this year would be even better.

“The festivities kick off on Thursday night with pipe and drum bands leading us … through Delray Beach,” he said.

“After the parade I’m also going on ride-alongs in Clearwater, Florida, and New York, so it’ll be a busy trip.”

The trip will also mark South Hedland Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station becoming a sister station to a volunteer fire service in Delray Beach.

Mr Fry said the South Hedland duo would present a plaque to the Delray Beach team.

They will also give a plaque from Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett to the mayor of Delray Beach.

Mr Clarke said he hoped more local firefighters would be able to attend the event next year.