Flying start for new recruits to Shannon Airport Police and Fire Service
150 were narrowed down to 11 successful recruits from Clare and surrounding region
The new year has gotten off to a flying start at Shannon Airport for the new recruits to the airport’s Police and Fire Service (APFS).
The successful applicants were selected following an extensive process, which saw over 150 potential applicants be narrowed down to a successful 11.
The new candidates, who commenced their training in January, are currently undergoing a three-month programme which will equip them with the necessary skills to work in the combined role of airport police and fire service personnel.
The recruits, hailing from across Clare and Limerick, come from a wide variety of backgrounds and previous industries.
Pat O’Brien, chief officer of APFS and security at Shannon Airport, said: “We are delighted to have commenced training, working closely with them [11 recruits] to ensure they reach their full potential through this programme.
“The candidates come from a wide variety of backgrounds including construction, finance, retail and the Irish Defence Forces and they bring with them unique experiences and skills that will undoubtedly enhance the APFS and indeed, the wider team and airport community.”
Being put through their paces, the recruits will also undertake breathing apparatus training and intensive ladder drills, which will enable them to work at heights and in areas with high temperatures and toxic atmospheres.
Recruits will also be trained in using Shannon Airport’s state-of-the art High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) fire tenders which can hold up to 11,500 litres of water. The airport was the first in Ireland to take the delivery of two HRET tenders in 2019.
The team has already developed a strong rapport, with plans to partake in a mountain climb before the end of their training programme in aid of The Shannon Airport Group’s nominated staff charities, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Milford Care Centre.
The new recruits are expected to complete the training programme in mid-April, at which time they will commence work in the airport.