Fire Service Delegation Visits Bronto Sky lift Factory In Finland
The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service has completed another stage in the delivery of its new high-reach aerial ladder platform after a team travelled to Finland to inspect the vehicle during production.
A statement from the Government follows below:
A delegation from the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) comprising Deputy Chief Fire O cer ffi Matthew Payas as Project Lead, Divisional O cer Edgar Ramirez, Head of Operations and Training, ffi Leading Firefighter Eric Abudarham, Lead ALP Instructor and member of the GFRS Training, Development and Logistical Support Team, and Mr Kenneth Cunningham, the Service’s Lead Mechanic, recently travelled to the Bronto Sky lift factory in Tampere, Finland.
The purpose of this visit was to inspect and formally sign o a key stage in the construction of ff Gibraltar’s new high reach ladder and pumping fire appliance, known in the fire service as an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP), focusing on the boom package and the vehicle’s sophisticated telescopic assembly, which will provide extended reach, flexibility and access for operations at height and in di cult to reach locations across Gibraltar. The visit represents a major milestone in the delivery of ffi this important operational asset, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of this construction phase, from every relevant Service perspective, provided by attendees.
All of the ALP’s water-delivery arrangements, associated elements, and cage assembly, were inspected and tested to ensure operational compatibility. The cage assembly, positioned at the end of the extendable section, will provide a secure elevated working platform for firefighters, enabling and enhancing support for firefighting (remote or manned), rescue, evacuation, and other specialist operations.
In the next few weeks, the vehicle will be shipped to the Angloco (coach builder) factory in Leeds, UK, where the final stages of the production phase will continue. The GFRS will continue to work closely with Angloco and Bronto Sky lift throughout the remaining stages of manufacture, commissioning and delivery, prior to final delivery.
The With the support of the Government, the Service continues committed to enhancing its facilities, resources, working environment and workflows. The project remains an important investment in public and firefighter safety and supports the GFRS’ continued development as a modern and professional Service. The ALP will strengthen Gibraltar’s emergency-response capability for years to come, providing the GFRS and the community with a modern, versatile, and highly capable asset designed to meet the demands of Gibraltar’s ever-changing urban composition and unique built environment.
The Chief Fire Officer, Colin Ramirez, said: "With Gibraltar’s growth and development come new challenges that the GFRS must seek to prepare for in our mission to safeguard our citizens and our Critical National Infrastructure. This new tool provides us with increased versatility, allowing us to approach certain emergency incidents from a different perspective, enhancing not only our operational efficiency, but also the safety of our Fire Fighters. Aside from the obvious emergency response, the role of Fire and Rescue Services is about anticipation, training and preparing for known risks, and this significant investment is not only a major milestone, but also a recognition of those risks, and a demonstration of our intent to be as ready as we possibly can, in our efforts to perform our statutory obligations. DCFO Matthew Payas has driven this project from its inception, supported by the GFRS team and ultimately, HMGoG. A long journey indeed, but one that will no doubt be a game changer in how we conduct our operations on the frontline. A massive thank you to all!"
Minister for the Fire Service, the Hon. Leslie Bruzon MP, said: “This is a significant milestone in the delivery of an important new asset for the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service. Our firefighters operate in a unique and increasingly challenging built environment, and it is essential that they have the modern equipment and resources needed to respond safely and effectively. I am pleased to see the project progressing and grateful to the GFRS team for the professionalism and commitment they have shown throughout. This investment will strengthen our emergency response capability and provide Gibraltar with a versatile, modern asset that will serve our community and firefighters for many years to come.”
