Page 21 - link magazine

NEWS & VIEWS
21
Learning to be a fireman Andy Cresswell, the latest recruit to the fire fighting team based in West
Swindon introduces himself and describes his recent training experiences
A fireman's job is not all chimney ished fireboots (yes even the wel- behind you such as 'hose Tuesday, casualty finding and evacuation or
and chip pan fires, the work is lies). the rat runs, smoke appreciation both. The conditions are frighten-
varied but never boring. At 07.00 fire engines, lectures and the sewer swim' you can look ingly realistic as B.A. crews work
As technology advances so does rooms and accommodation are forward to the 2 week breathing in temperatures of 800' to 1000'
the hazards associated with it, made spotless for 08.00 inspection. apparatus course. and visibility is down to zero. As
making it all the more important The day is then made up of lec- The B.A. course takes place at the heat increases and the casualty
that the selection and training of tures in the morning, practical fire- Devizes, and makes Reigate feel gets heavier, pain from both the
the modern firefighter is of the manship in the afternoon with fur- like a holiday camp. This course heat burning your skin to the ach-
highest standard. ther lectures until 20.00, after this really does sort out the men from ing of your body from the physical
The candidate initially under- the time is supposed to be your the boys. punishment has to be endured,
goes a one day introduction course own, but is usually spent revising. Most of the training takes place until the fire is safely out and all
at the Brigade Training Centre in During the weeks that follow in the Smoke House, a large pur- casualties are evacuated.
Devizes, where stamina, strength, constant assessments are made on pose built building, capable of Only then can you sit down and
vertigo, claustrophobia and vari- things such as physical ability, atti- simulating most types of fires. sip on a mug of salt water. Is it all
ous academic tests are carried out. tude, mental agility. Drills vary from fire fighting to worth it? Yes'
On the successful completion of At the end of the course a fire-
this the candidate undergoes for- fighter is in the making. Not only
mal interviews and a thorough are you a lot fitter but attitudes O BURGLAR ALARMS
medical check up. have changed, with infamous drills O FIRE ALARMS
at- ir
The letter with your acceptance le
(or failure) seems to take forever, O SECURITY LIGHTING
but in truth is only a matter of o DOOR &WINDOW LOCKS
weeks. If the candidate is consid-
ered suitable he or she is put for- FREE QUOTATIONS - FREE
ward for a twelve week residential
recruit training course at Reigate in SURVEYS
Surrey.
.
Reigate can only be described as FOR YOUR LOCAL SECURITY SPECIALIST
an experience, and the type of thing TELEPHONE SWINDON 765295
that's nice to be behind you.
The instructors are short haired crimecure
and very loud, probably the sort
that would make good sergeant DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL SECURITY INSTALLATIONS
majors.
A Member of the Federation of Security Companies
A typical day begins at 06.00 with
cleaning of all personal kit from the
yellow leggings to the highly pol-

Top award for Toothill P.C.

A local beat policeman has received
an award for being the best proba-
tionary officer of 1989.
PC Adrian Wys was presented
in May with the 'Jack Tanswell Your New Calor Gas
Award' by the Wiltshire Chief
Constable in recognition of his
performance during his two year Main Dealer in Swindon
probationary service with the force.
Whilst many of the incidents for Hotline: (0793) 613391
which he was commended are still
being investigated, one outstand- 24 hour telephone
ingachievement was the assistance
he gave when he was first on the ordering service
scene as the roof was being blown
off Grange Junior School, Stratton Collections from our Depot at Bridgend Road
St Margaret during the gales of 25 How do you cope
January which resulted in the death with being a Showroom at
of one pupil and injury to others.
The 23 year old constable, who parent? 14, The Orbit Centre
lives in Cricklade, joined the force The Parent Network offers practi- Ashworth Road
in September 1988 and has worked cal ways of tackling issues like
in various parts of Swindon. He rudeness, anger, fighting, unruly Great Western Way,
became one of the Toothill area behaviour and all those things Swindon
policemen in November 1989 and which can put parents and chil-
says he enjoys working in the area. dren under pressure.
"Unlike other neighbourhoods The organisation is holding two Displays of Fixed gas fires,
which are split up by major roads, introductory meetings for parents mobile cabinet heaters
Toothill has a sense of community in West Swindon on Wednesday
because it is compact. There are 20 and Monday 25 June in the and miscellaneous
some interesting characters in the Community Suite at the Link Calor appliances
area which gives variety to the Centre. Telephone Martha Parry
work," he commented. for more details on 871212 ext 234.