"Working in an EU is one of the best jobs in the Force," New Territories North (NTN) Acting Regional Commander Peter Hunt told the competitors. "To do it you must be some of the best officers in the Force, and it is a hallmark of the best that you are always trying to get. The Inter-EU Challenge is designed to help you do just this."

The competitions included the physically demanding "tactical rescue race" involving carrying and using personal protective equipment and breaking kit over an 800-metre course to save a hostage; a pistol tactical relay competition, and field stripping and accuracy shooting competitions with the MP5 and AR 15.

Police Constable Kwok Man-kee of EU Kowloon West was the best individual pistol shooter. EU Hong Kong Island won the rescue race, and EU Kowloon East the tactical relay. The AR 15 competition came down to a draw that was settled by a "shoot off" between two Station Sergeants. In the end, EU NTN secured enough points to win the "Charles Wimbush Cup" for the top team.

The first Inter-EU Challenge was held in 1993 when EU Kowloon West won the Wimbush Cup. The revival of the competition after 16 years owes much to the hard work of SP Mark Ford-McNicol and SIP Tony Tsang of EU NTN and the wholehearted support of Weapons Training Division. Fortunately it will not have to wait until 2025 before the Cup changes hands again as EU Hong Kong Island will host the 2010 event. Time to get training.

A total of 110 officers from all Emergency Units rise up to the Inter-EU Challenge 2009

The various competitions are a big test of officers' tactics, shooting and physical fitness

The physically demanding "tactical rescue race"

Racing to save a hostage

Accuracy shooting with AR 15

New Territories North Acting Regional Commander Peter Hunt presents a trophy to the winning team from his Region