Spring 2006, on a beautiful sunny day, we were training at a rock climbing site around Namur. Reflecting on subjects such as rock climbing, rescue and the fire brigade, I found myself imagining a day where fire fighters specialized in rescue on ropes could meet and share their techniques.
 

In Belgium, there was no formal training on the subject. In its own way, each province was organizing the training in this area. The Province of Liege copies the French system, fire fighters in Namur are trained at the Alpine Club, and others are a mix of both.
 

The key is no doubt to be as efficient as possible in an area where errors are not allowed.
 

There was yet to find an incentive.
 

This is when the crucial question emerged: Michel (my colleague), would you agree to organise a national challenge in perilous rescue?
 

The idea was launched; we now had to make it a reality...
 

Back at the barracks, as a joke, we asked Johan if he would agree to take care of the non-technical organization. We didn’t have to ask him twice.
 

However, we did not imagine the work that this represented and even less than that it would not please everyone!
 

Do well and let say (so said my father, with reason no doubt).
 

Fortunately, there are open minded people in Belgium ready to invest themselves in their vocation.

Laurent LOMBART