Police support fire service in crucial training exercise
Police officers in Plymouth recently worked alongside Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to support an advanced course to train fire service personnel in becoming level 1 ‘Incident Commanders’.
Incident Commanders are responsible for emergency scenes that have between one and four fire engines in attendance. Part of their responsibilities include working closely with partner agencies at incidents, such as the police.
Police Constable Debbie Benwell, who attended on the day, said: “Supporting with training exercises like these are essential in ensuring that when critical incidents require both police and fire response, we as emergency services, continue to work collaboratively and efficiently to ensure the safety of the public.”
Real-life mock scenarios were acted out on the day, requiring trainee Incident Commanders to lead and advise teams. Scenarios included a fight between two men in a scrapyard setting where a car was on fire and another scenario that involved a building on fire with people inside.
PC Benwell added: “The scenarios enable us to share best practice, highlighting the role each emergency service plays and demonstrate how we can work together in emergency situations to best support those in need. The exercises are vital in making sure we continue to provide an effective response to emergency situations, keeping both public, colleagues and staff safe.”
Station Manager Loz Parsons, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am always extremely grateful for the consistent and continued support that we receive from Devon & Cornwall Police, on what is considered by many, to be the most challenging course they will ever attend.
“We need our commanders to be working with fellow emergency responders effectively whilst adopting the joint emergency services interoperability principles (JESIP), so the importance of building these relationships is invaluable to a new commander.
“The collaboration between both D&C Police and Devon & Somerset Fire Service is the best I have ever known and the officer’s presence and professionalism makes these events incredibly realistic.”
To find out more about what the police are doing in your local area, sign up to Devon & Cornwall alert https://alerts.dc.police.uk/. Hear the latest information, updates and news directly from Devon & Cornwall Police.
You can also visit the ‘what’s happening in your area’ section of the Devon & Cornwall Police website to find out who your local neighbourhood police officers are. Teams hold regular public meetings where they discuss local issues and priorities – please consider coming along to one of these to find out more about what police are doing in your local area.
Photos below taken during the training scenarios
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