Siren call - 24 hours with the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service
IN the first of a three-part series reporter Mark Ogier spends 24 hours with the Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service and finds out about the sheer volume of hard work and training that occupies the majority of their time.
Part one: Arrival; briefing and kitting up; a call of nature thwarted by a callout...
Saturday 2 December, 8am
A clear, calm and chilly morning and I arrived at the Arsenal Fire Station to find the watch handover in progress.
This is a short and simple parade where each watch lines up and the incoming commander takes over. My watch commander for the morning was Dave Hockey, who explained that it was a quick way to see who was present and who was not – in this case, one of Red Watch was absent due to sickness, which left a total of nine on duty for the day.
With various social and other events taking place, at least one of the watch was a stand-in for a colleague who was taking a day off, and who would replace him when he wanted to take time out.
First order of the day was for the crew to make sure all their kit was ready for any callout, putting their leggings, boots, tunics and breathing apparatus, if needed, in place in the two vehicles – ‘pumps’ – that would be used in the first instance.
Pump One was assigned five firefighters, while there were four on Pump Two – leaving room for one more passenger, me.
I was provided with a tabard labelled ‘Observer’ and told that in the event of an incident, my job was to stick close to the watch or crew commander.
I was happy to do anything to make sure I kept out of the way while being allowed to go along.
Read more about Mark Ogier's day with the fire service in today's edition.
