Spain’s Costa Blanca firefighter gets heroes welcome after taking silver medal at World Police and Fire Games

FIREFIGHTER and silver medallist in the World Police and Fire Games 2019, Andrés Blanquer Ruíz from La Nucia, was treated to an official reception in his home town on the Costa Blanca in Spain in honour of his achievements.

After being greeted by the Mayor, Bernabe Cano, and signing La Nucia’s ‘Book of Honour’, the world ‘Stair Race Firefighter’ (Full Gear) runner up in the Master 30 category at the XVIII world games in Chengdu, China, thanked everybody for their help and support.

This is the second time Blanquer has signed in the town’s prestigious book, the first time in 2018 after winning 11 medals in the European Police and Fire Games.

The USA 13 La Nucia firefighter’s most recent arduous task involved climbing the stairs of a 57-storey building wearing the firefighter’s intervention suit, which weighs 30 kilos.

With the handicap of breathing through an oxygen mask, the competition is made even more difficult.

Blanquer completed the task in 12 minutes and 34 seconds – only surpassed by Chinese firefighter Yan Hu, who did it in 10 minuntes 21 seconds to take the gold.

Blanquer also participated in the ‘Stair Race Regular’ Master 30 category without a fireman’s suit, where he finished ninth, with a time of 9:32.

He told those present that fatigue of the previous race caught up with him on this occasion, as the two were held on the same day.

Notably absent during the world championships was his beloved dog, Riu, with which he has competed in different European and National Games.

The popular firefighter has been a member of the NGO USAR 13 for the past five years, and trains weekly with Riu, at the Rescue Dog Training Camp in La Nucía.

The inseparable pair are currently training for the XIX Fire and Police Olympics, which will be held in Rotterdam in 2021, as well as any rescue they may be called to carry out at any time.