Airport Fire & Rescue service in training landmark

Gibraltar's Airport Fire and Rescue Service has become the first fire service in the world to complete a set of nationally accredited instructor training courses across three specialist areas.

The courses, delivered by UK-based provider Emergency Response Driver Training, cover emergency response driving, high reach extendable turret operation, and vehicle and pump instruction. All three carry the Skills for Justice Awards Certificate of Achievement, the highest level of accreditation available.

Three AFRS personnel, Firefighter Alain Pons, Leading Firefighter Emerson Rovegno and Sub Officer Mitchel Mifsud, completed the training and will now lead the requalification of all service personnel.

High reach extendable turrets are boom-mounted systems on airfield firefighting vehicles capable of reaching sixteen metres and delivering water, foam and dry powder agents.

Minister Leslie Bruzon said the achievement placed the AFRS at the forefront of UK and international best practice, and demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence and innovation.