Page 147 - Archived Back Issues

FIREFIGHTERS NEWS
From Tyne and Wear
Meet the Chief
Last year was the first time no one in Tyne and Wear died in an accidental house fire. This was a significant achievement and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is believed to be the only metropolitan area ever to have achieved this.
Salamander caught up with Tom Capeling, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer and asked him how they achieved this. Tom said: “There is no doubt this has been due to our effective Home Safety Check Strategy and the phenomenal dedication of our staff across the Service, our very clear targeting strategy that supports the ‘protection’ ethos we are passionate about within this Service. It is also down to our continuous education campaign which has led to an increase in smoke alarm ownership, our proactive partnership working, the commitment of people in Tyne and Wear, and a degree of good fortune.”
Tom has worked for the Service for 25 years after seven years in the Royal Navy working as a marine engineering mechanic. Starting as a Firefighter Tom worked his way up to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s top post. In 2007 he became an Area Manager; responsible for the Service's estates, procurement and stores, fleet maintenance, contingencies and special projects and the Control Room services. He was then promoted to Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Community Safety and spent three years leading community safety and the Service's frontline emergency response service. He was appointed Chief Fire Officer in February 2012.
Tom’s focus has been on reducing the risk to the community by improving performance, reinforcing the importance of intelligence led decision making, changing how the Service responds to fires and working with partners to make Tyne and Wear a safer place to live.
Tom is facing his biggest challenge yet with significant reduction in funding. He said: “Protecting the most vulnerable in society is our number one aim. The challenging financial situation will make this aim even more difficult to achieve. We need to provide our services in a different way to ensure we continue to reduce the risk to our community. However, given the dedication and professionalism of the staff who work at Tyne and Wear, and our partners, I know that they will rise to this challenge and that the Service will continue to be one of the best in the country.”
From Devon and Somerset
Improving Public Safety by Working in Partnership
Chief Fire Officer,
Lee Howell had the
pleasure of presenting certificates of appreciation to two partnerships that have been established with Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. The certificates were awarded to Bourne Leisure Group and Yarlington Housing Group celebrating the positive outcomes that have been achieved.
Bourne Leisure Group were commended for their on-going commitment to improve Fire Safety for their employees and their guests. Yarlington were commended for installing four Domestic Sprinkler Systems in some of the properties of their most vulnerable residents.
Lee Howell said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the partnership we have with Bourne Leisure and Yarlington, it is certainly going to allow us to improve public safety for those most at risk. It also shows a commitment between industry and the fire and rescue service, working in partnership to deliver improved outcomes for the public. The commitment is inspiring and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both organisations. “
The future
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service look forward to building upon both relationships in the future to everyone’s mutual advantage as well as the wider community.
Chairman of the Fire Authority, Mark Healey said: “I’m really impressed to see people coming together to improve Fire Safety. Well done to Yarlington Homes for taking the initiative and starting to put sprinklers into their properties. It’s smart partnership working as they picked homes in vulnerable people living in rural locations.”
“Well done to Bourne Leisure as well, they are very pro-active in fire safety nationwide. I was very interested to hear about their take on Carbon Monoxide so we look forward to doing some collaborative work in the near future. So a really exceptional day for the Fire Service and fire safety in general.”
The Master Sends Condolences
Our Master has sent condolences to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service following the tragic death of fire brigade member Stephen Hunt on 13th July. Stephen was involved in dealing with the fire that started in a hairdressing facility in the city. The family of the 38- year-old father of two described Stephen as “an old-fashioned gentleman” who “lived to serve his country.” As well as being a firefighter, Stephen Hunt also served with the Royal Signals regiment for seven years. A book of condolences and support fund for Stephen can be accessed from the GMFRS site at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk
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