At a passing-out ceremony held two weeks ago at the Fire Service College in the UK, Firefighter Craig Bossano Anes was presented with his certificate of achievement after successfully completing five weeks of intensive aviation firefighting and rescue initial training. He was among 18 recruits from airports across the UK, including Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Luton, Isle of Man and Manchester, who undertook the accredited course.

Physically demanding and highly specialised, the rigorous programme covered the tactics, techniques and procedures required to respond to different types of aircraft incidents and fires, as well as the safe rescue and extrication of casualties. Beginning with theoretical instruction, the training progressively builds up from basic drills and fire behaviour to far more complex practical exercises involving breathing apparatus, smoke and the effective use of extinguishing agents, culminating in a variety of live fire scenarios.

Back in Gibraltar Firefighter Bossano Anes is now undertaking a further five weeks of local induction before commencing operational duties assigned to Red Watch. He will then enter an 18-month further development programme, during which all his skills and knowledge will be continually assessed to ensure that he meets the required standards of competence as a firefighter.

Meanwhile, Station Officers Tyronne Avellano and Daniel Cabezutto have also successfully completed the Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) course at the College of Policing in Coventry, UK. The course prepares participants for future strategic command responsibilities, providing a solid foundation to build their confidence and develop an in-depth understanding of strategic incident management. It also equips them with the skills needed to plan, implement and review multi-agency strategies to ensure the safe and timely resolution of major incidents.

The course brought together officers from a range of organisations, including police forces, fire and rescue services, ambulance trusts, highways authorities and other emergency response agencies. Working alongside colleagues from these varied backgrounds, many of whom had first-hand experience of large major incidents, provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and learn from their different operational perspectives.

Having successfully completed the course, these AFRS Station Officers are now better prepared to contribute at a strategic level of incident command, supporting coordinated responses to major emergencies.

The Minister with responsibility for Fire Services, The Hon Leslie Bruzon, stated: “It is always encouraging to see new firefighters joining the AFRS alongside the organisation’s investment in personnel at all levels. This demonstrates the Airport Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to continuous development and improvement and provides the public with reassurance that our emergency services are well trained and professionally prepared to respond to a wide range of incidents and emergencies.”