News from Terberg: Manchester Airport’s Fire Service has officially unveiled six brand new Oshkosh Global Striker Vehicles, supplied to the airport by Oshkosh’s UK distributor Terberg DTS, as part of a £4.2million investment.
The six new fire vehicles are equipped with the latest technology to assist in making firefighting operations safer, including Forward Looking Infra-Red Cameras, High Reach Extendable Turrets and environmentally-friendly foam.
With all six fire vehicles manufactured in and shipped from Wisconsin, USA over the last three months, the sixth and final vehicle arrived at the airport in late September. All 84 firefighters who are based at Manchester Airport are now fully trained to use the vehicles and equipment.
Alisdair Couper, Managing Director at Terberg DTS, said, “By pre-planning the operator training, which was completed prior to delivery, this has enabled Manchester Airport to put the new Oshkosh fire vehicles into operation immediately upon arrival. We have worked closely with the Fire Fighters at Manchester and Oshkosh to provide a vehicle solution specific to their operational needs and the results have been astounding.”
The new fire vehicles were showcased to 150 guests at an event held at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park. Guests from emergency services around the country as well as MAG colleagues, former Manchester Airport firefighters, Oshkosh and Terberg DTS representatives were also shown a demonstration of the new vehicles in action using the airport’s training ground, Big Rig.
Steve Metcalf, Manchester Airport’s Chief Fire Officer & Emergency Services Manager, said, “The introduction of this fleet has presented us with the opportunity to introduce a new operational model incorporating a completely fresh approach, adopting revised tactics and techniques to enable us to create a safer environment for our passengers, operating crews and firefighters. These are exciting times for the Fire & Rescue Service at Manchester Airport as these new procedures, supported by our new vehicles, have modernised our operation.
“We’re investing in a safer future and it’s of the utmost importance to us as that both our staff and passengers are in a safe environment at all times, and our investment in these vehicles underlines our commitment in this area. The Oshkosh Global Striker Vehicles are equipped with the latest technology which helps to make firefighter jobs safer and more efficient, protecting both them and our passengers in the event of a crisis situation, which while we hope never happens, we must be prepared for.”
Jim Johnson, Oshkosh President of Fire and Emergency, said, “We are honoured to have been a part of this project at Manchester Airport and to provide these new vehicles for Manchester Airport’s Fire Service. We worked very closely with the airport on this project to deliver the best appliances and service possible. It’s been fantastic to see the new vehicles in action and the firefighters here showcasing their new skills.”
