THERE were celebrations at Shannon Airport last Monday when nine new members of the Airport Police and Fire Service (APFS) celebrated their passing out in the company of their family and loved ones at the Shannon Airport Fire Station.
The nine recruits underwent a three-month intensive training programme, which now equips them to work in the combined role of airport police and fire personnel at Shannon Airport.
Part of the specialist training programme has taught the fire service graduates how to battle Jet A1 aviation fuel fires, which can reach up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. While their response time to an incident must be under three minutes.
Congratulating the new APFS graduates and presenting them with medals of achievement, Shannon Group chief executive Mary Considine said they were joining a service with a great history and tradition.
“Members of the APFS are professional in how they deal with the day-to-day airport activities and problems that present to them, while also being empathetic and helpful to passengers, public and staff alike”.
Chief Officer of the Fire and Rescue Service Pat O’Brien said it was fantastic to be able to facilitate the official passing out service in person, and for recruits to celebrate with family.
“All nine recruits have shown their dedication throughout their training as Airport Police and Fire Service members. Through the selection process they have proved themselves to be capable of working well in challenging environments, and with people who may be in distress.
“We are also thrilled to have, not only one, but two members of Shannon Airport Police and Fire Service celebrating the passing out of their sons today. Our recruits come from a variety of backgrounds like the defence forces, the hospitality sector, local authority fire service, graduate straight out of secondary school, a tradesman and one of our airport screening personnel,” Mr O’Brien added.
