Shannon Airport has welcomed eleven recruits to its Airport Police and Fire Service following their graduation this week. The graduates underwent an intensive three-month programme to equip them with the necessary skills covering a range of topics in Aviation Firefighting and Aviation Security.
As part of the training programme, the recruits covered a range of topics in Aviation Firefighting and Aviation Security to ensure they are competent to carry out the role of an Airport Police Fire Service member. Elements of the course included Emergency Communications and Alerting Facilities, Fire Dynamics, Extinguishing Agents and Firefighting Techniques, Search & Rescue Tactics, Operational Tactics, Airfield Layout and Aircraft Construction, Surveillance and Patrols, and all the while working as a team.
Being put through their paces, the recruits also undertook breathing apparatus training and intensive ladder drills, that will enable them to work at heights and in areas with high temperatures and toxic atmospheres.
Recruits were also trained in using Shannon Airport’s state-of-the-art High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) fire tenders which can hold up to 11,500 litres of water. HRET tenders have additional safety benefits for airport fire service personnel as fires can be extinguished from outside of the risk area by operating the HRET from the vehicle cab, allowing the application of water, foam, and dry chemical directly to the seat of the fire. The airport was the first in Ireland to take the delivery of two HRET tenders in 2019.
Speaking at the commencement of their training in January Pat O’Brien, Chief Officer, Airport Police Fire Service and Security at Shannon Airport said: “We are delighted to have commenced training with eleven new recruits to the service, working closely with them to ensure they reach their full potential through this programme. The candidates come from a wide variety of backgrounds including construction, finance, retail and the Irish Defence Forces. They bring with them unique experiences and skills that will undoubtedly enhance the Airport Police and Fire Service, and indeed, the wider team and airport community.”
