Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service host Ukrainian dignitaries

Two Ukrainian dignitaries visited Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service this week (27 September) to find out about the Service, how technology and innovation are improving our operational response, and to share our experience, knowledge and expertise in firefighter development and training and interoperability.

The Head of Poltava Fire Brigade and a representative from the EU Integration & International Cooperation Department in Ukraine first visited the Command Development Centre in Daventry where they experienced the high-tech centre for command and incident training and assessment and used the XVR to replicate realistic incident scenarios. They then headed to Mereway Fire Station for a tour of one of the new appliances and the Joint Command Unit.

The afternoon involved a visit to Chelveston where the visitors watched the recent cohort of transferee firefighters undergoing search and rescue hot fire training as part of their conversion programme upon joining NFRS.

GM Neil Sadler, Head of Joint Operations Team said: “We were delighted to welcome colleagues from the Ukrainian Fire Service and State Emergency Service to Northamptonshire this week and share information on how we are modernising, innovating and investing in our fleet and in technology.

“They were particularly interested in how our technological infrastructure has enhanced our interoperability and resilience at both a tactical and strategic level.  The JCU offered the perfect environment to demonstrate this and showcase what is one of the most technically advanced emergency service vehicles in the country.”

Viktor Popruha, Head of local Fire Brigade, Bilytska community, Poltava region, Ukraine said: “We would like to thank Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue for hosting us in the UK.

“It was a great experience to learn about advanced technology solutions being used across the Service to improve command & control and situational awareness.

“We also learned about modern training techniques, and it was a pleasure to observe the firefighter training at Chelveston.”