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30 January 2026
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Supporting firefighter fitness through local innovation
By Morné Mommsen and Tertius Engelbrecht
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The continued growth of firefighter fitness competitions has highlighted the need for specialised, durable equipment capable of withstanding extreme physical demands while remaining safe and functional. In recent years, Morné Mommsen and Tertius Engelbrecht of Midvaal, founders and organisers of the Fit To Fight Fire competition, undertook a focused search for a purpose-built hammer suitable for use in high-intensity firefighter fitness events, including the internationally recognised Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition. This process exposed a broader challenge within firefighter conditioning initiatives, namely the limited availability of locally manufactured equipment specifically designed to replicate the physical tasks encountered in operational firefighting.
This search led to SA Polyhammer, a South African manufacturing company based at 30 Ellis Road, Alrode South, Alberton. Founded by Dean Fegen, SA Polyhammer is driven by a strong commitment to industrial design, practical engineering, and local manufacturing. Beyond product innovation, Mr Fegen actively supports local entrepreneurship through his “Made in SA Boet” and “Howzit Boet” social impact initiatives, which aim to strengthen South Africa’s manufacturing sector and encourage the development of future industrial entrepreneurs.
What began as an equipment enquiry soon developed into a sustained collaborative relationship. Dean Fegen consistently sponsored and supplied hammers for the Fit To Fight Fire competitions, with this equipment subsequently being utilised at major firefighter fitness events, including the TFA and Dräger challenges and South African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI) competitions. These events place repeated and intense mechanical stress on equipment, closely simulating the physical demands of real-world firefighting tasks. In addition, Mr Fegen designed and supplied the Fit To Fight Fire team with their third Keiser-style training machine. The first two Keiser machines were supplied by Mr Trevor Fiford of Industrial Fire and Hazard Control and Fit To Fight Fire management extends its sincere appreciation to both suppliers for their continued support and assistance.
From an operational perspective, the equipment supplied by SA Polyhammer has been extensively tested by firefighters under competitive conditions. As active emergency service practitioners engaged in functional fitness and operational response, organisers and competitors can confirm that the hammers have endured significant punishment without failure. This consistent performance under extreme conditions provides clear validation of the quality, durability and functional design of the equipment, reinforcing the value of locally engineered solutions tailored to the needs of emergency service personnel.
The sustained support provided by SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control has contributed meaningfully to the development and long-term sustainability of firefighter fitness competitions in South Africa. Initiatives such as Fit To Fight Fire play a vital role in promoting operational readiness, physical resilience and a strong culture of fitness within the fire service. Through sponsorship, equipment provision, and ongoing collaboration, SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control has demonstrated a tangible commitment to firefighter well-being and professional excellence.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Midvaal firefighters, SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control highlights the significant impact that partnerships between emergency services and local manufacturers can achieve. Through innovation, reliability and consistent support, SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control has become an integral contributor to firefighter fitness initiatives. The continued involvement of Dean Fegen and Trevor Fiford and their companies represents not only support for competitive events, but a broader investment in the strength, preparedness and resilience of South Africa’s firefighting community.
Quotes of the week
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” ~ Alexander Graham Bell, scientist and inventor of the telephone
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Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
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This search led to SA Polyhammer, a South African manufacturing company based at 30 Ellis Road, Alrode South, Alberton. Founded by Dean Fegen, SA Polyhammer is driven by a strong commitment to industrial design, practical engineering, and local manufacturing. Beyond product innovation, Mr Fegen actively supports local entrepreneurship through his “Made in SA Boet” and “Howzit Boet” social impact initiatives, which aim to strengthen South Africa’s manufacturing sector and encourage the development of future industrial entrepreneurs.
What began as an equipment enquiry soon developed into a sustained collaborative relationship. Dean Fegen consistently sponsored and supplied hammers for the Fit To Fight Fire competitions, with this equipment subsequently being utilised at major firefighter fitness events, including the TFA and Dräger challenges and South African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI) competitions. These events place repeated and intense mechanical stress on equipment, closely simulating the physical demands of real-world firefighting tasks. In addition, Mr Fegen designed and supplied the Fit To Fight Fire team with their third Keiser-style training machine. The first two Keiser machines were supplied by Mr Trevor Fiford of Industrial Fire and Hazard Control and Fit To Fight Fire management extends its sincere appreciation to both suppliers for their continued support and assistance.
From an operational perspective, the equipment supplied by SA Polyhammer has been extensively tested by firefighters under competitive conditions. As active emergency service practitioners engaged in functional fitness and operational response, organisers and competitors can confirm that the hammers have endured significant punishment without failure. This consistent performance under extreme conditions provides clear validation of the quality, durability and functional design of the equipment, reinforcing the value of locally engineered solutions tailored to the needs of emergency service personnel.
The sustained support provided by SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control has contributed meaningfully to the development and long-term sustainability of firefighter fitness competitions in South Africa. Initiatives such as Fit To Fight Fire play a vital role in promoting operational readiness, physical resilience and a strong culture of fitness within the fire service. Through sponsorship, equipment provision, and ongoing collaboration, SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control has demonstrated a tangible commitment to firefighter well-being and professional excellence.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Midvaal firefighters, SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control highlights the significant impact that partnerships between emergency services and local manufacturers can achieve. Through innovation, reliability and consistent support, SA Polyhammer and Industrial Fire and Hazard Control has become an integral contributor to firefighter fitness initiatives. The continued involvement of Dean Fegen and Trevor Fiford and their companies represents not only support for competitive events, but a broader investment in the strength, preparedness and resilience of South Africa’s firefighting community.
Quotes of the week
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” ~ Alexander Graham Bell, scientist and inventor of the telephone
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest FRI magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-8-no-3.html
Read the latest Disaster Management Journal: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-vol-7-no-1.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
DMJ magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-magazine.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.fireandrescue.co
www.frimedia.org
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/
