Page 16 - August 2016

THE SALAMANDER | AUGUST 2016
GATWICK FIRE STATION VISIT
Paul Bryant, Roger Gentle, Frank David, Nicole Hoffmann, Simon Petts, David Holt & Ken Williams
On May 20th a group from the Worshipful Company of Firefighters visited Gatwick Airport for a behind the scenes tour of the South Terminal and the Gatwick Airport Fire Station. We were hosted by two WCoFF members, Roger Gentle, Fire Safety Manager at Gatwick Airport and Simon Petts, Station Manager, Gatwick Airport Fire & Rescue Service.
The visit started with a talk by Roger Gentle on the fire safety and evacuation procedures in place in the terminal buildings, emphasising the particular hazards encountered when catering for the safety of several million passengers each year in such a potentially hazardous environment. Next the group were driven to an area close to the North Terminal to witness a rare event, a water arch pumped by two of the crash tenders to celebrate the first flight by Air Canada on an inaugural route.
After this, there was a tour of the fire station and a detailed description of one of the Rosenbauer Panther crash tenders, followed by a visit to the fire training ground where engine and cabin fires were simulated in the training rig, skilfully dealtwithbyoneofthefirefightersoperatingthe bumper and roof-mounted monitors on one of
the Panthers. Whilst the rig was still warm from the simulated fires, the group were then able to enterittoseethecomplexinternaldesignused to train firefighters in both extinguishing fires on board an aircraft and search and rescue techniques.
It was a wonderfully informative and entertaining day and the group were all very proud that two of our members were so closely involved in delivering such an essential service to the travelling public.
About the Author:
This article was submitted by Liveryman Prof. David Holt. David is a member of the PR & Marketing Committee and is the custodian of the memorabilia items for sale at company dinners and events.
Page 16