Firefighters from the Airport Fire and Rescue Service have recently completed a series of specialised training programmes.

A statement from the Government follows below:

In recent weeks, firefighters from the Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) have successfully  completed a series of specialised training programmes, reinforcing the department’s commitment  to safety, operational excellence and continuous professional development. These achievements  reflect ongoing investment in personnel and a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of  safety and operational readiness. Developing expertise across a wide range of disciplines continues  to strengthen both individual capabilities and the overall resilience of the service. 

Specialised Ladder Servicing and Maintenance Training 

Two firefighters have completed a Ladder Servicing and Maintainers Course, gaining advanced  knowledge in the inspection, servicing and maintenance of this critical firefighting equipment. The  training ensures compliance with current safety regulations, while equipping personnel with the  practical skills required to identify structural issues, carry out routine maintenance, and extend the  lifespan of essential equipment.  

Firefighters Craig Bonnici and Michael Gracia will now play a key role in ensuring AFRS ladders  remain in optimal condition, an essential requirement for safe and effective emergency response. 

Auditor Training Strengthens Compliance and Continuous Improvement 

Station Officers Karim Afzan and Tyronne Avellano, along with Assistant Divisional Officer Ernest  Romero, have successfully completed a professionally certified Internal Auditor (Quality  Management Systems) course in UK. This enhances the organisation’s internal capability to assess  procedures, ensure regulatory compliance and its drive for further continuous improvement. 

These three Officers are now better equipped to conduct internal audits, evaluate operational  processes and uphold high standards of safety, quality and accountability. Their expertise will  support ongoing review of procedures, helping to identify areas for improvement and ensure that  best practices are consistently maintained at the AFRS, in line with its aviation compliance  requirements. 

Leadership Development Through ICL1 Qualification 

Further strengthening leadership capacity, Firefighters Aidan Serra and Michael Gracia have  achieved an Incident Command Level 1 (ICL1) qualification in Farnborough, United Kingdom. This  intensive Skills For Justice accredited programme focused on leadership, decision-making and incident command skills, delivered through a combination of theoretical instruction and realistic  operational scenarios. 

The Minister with responsibility for Fire Services, the Hon. Leslie Bruzon, highlighted the  importance of ongoing training, stating: “This training is a valuable investment in both firefighter  safety and community protection. The newly qualified personnel will strengthen internal processes,  enhance safety, reliability and operational efficiency. These achievements collectively reflect the  AFRS’s operational effectiveness and its commitment to excellence and proactive safety  management, benefiting both its personnel and the travelling public.”