967 Sqn Air Cadets

What are you doing this weekend?
Dec 20

Air Cadets get an insight into Airport Fire Service

Airport Fire Appliance

A similar fire vehicle to those seen by Warton Air Cadets on their visit to BAE Systems. Photo: © Rosenbauer

On Thursday night Cadets and staff from 967 (BAe Warton) Squadron Air Cadets had a rare opportunity to visit the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) at BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome.

The Cadets were given a briefing on how the Fire Service is organised and operated, by Watch Manager Kieran Merriman, before being shown around the hi-tech Rosenbauer fire vehicles and all the specialised equipment they carry by Watch Manager Tony Nickson and Firefighter Keith Thompson.

Cadets were given the chance to try on the breathing apparatus used by the firefighters, run out lengths of hose and find out the capabilities of the ‘jaws of life’ carried on board the vehicles.

The visit culminated with the opportunity for the Cadets to get the Firefighters’ perspective by taking to the fire appliances and experiencing what it would be like to ‘turn-out’ to an emergency on the airfield at night. Cadets rode on board the appliances and operated sirens, lights and even the water and foam sprays mounted on the roof and bumper of the vehicles as they went down the runway.

967 Sqn would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of the BAE Systems RFFS for giving up their time to show the Cadets around and for giving them an insight into life on the front line protecting the safety of passengers, aircrew and local residents on and around Warton airfield.