76 Locals, International Firefighters Graduate
“This training presents an exceptional opportunity for our Pacific Island neighbours to attend the much needed ARFF training; it is in line with improving safety at our airports and is a pivotal step in enhancing Fiji Airports’ position as a leader in aviation in our region,” Mr Nawari, Fiji Airports chief executive officer said.
Tuesday 28 May 2024 | 14:06
Firefighters and stakeholders after the graduation on May 24, 2024. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
National Fire Authority sub officer commercial training west Varun Kumar after attending the QUALPAC 24 training is now better equipped to respond to an aircraft incident.
Mr Kumar, 34, was one of the 76 local and international personals who graduated at the Fiji Airports headquarters in Namaka on Friday.
“The training has equipped us NFA officers with knowledge on how to respond to an aircraft incident. With this knowledge we couldassist airports firefighters,” said Mr Kumar.
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The participating firefighters were from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Nauru, Cook Islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati, the National Fire Authority (Fiji) and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) officers from Rotuma Airport, Taveuni Airport, Savusavu Airport, Labasa Airport, Nausori Airport and Nadi International Airport.
“This training presents an exceptional opportunity for our Pacific Island neighbours to attend the much needed ARFF training; it is in line with improving safety at our airports and is a pivotal step in enhancing Fiji Airports’ position as a leader in aviation in our region,” Mr Nawari, Fiji Airports chief executive officer said.
National Fire Authority sub officer commercial training west, Varun Kumar with his certificate on May 24, 2024. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
He said that aircraft rescue and fire fighters are the heartbeat of any airport as first responders.
“Fire fighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property and ARFFS,” Mr Nawari said.
“The certificates covering the fire fighters in the Senior Airport Fire Officer Course, Respond to Aviation Incidents Course and Emergency Response Driver Course - are not only a recognition of their call for duty but is also a recognition to change the world and make a difference in the communities and air-ports they serve.
“We also remember our fire fighters who have lost their lives in this profession and for making a difference to others’ wellbeing.”
Mr Nawari also acknowledged the internationally recognized ARFF pecialists from the United States of America, United Kingdom, and Australia who facilitated the three internationally recognised coursesin two weeks.
He acknowledged the generos-ity of their sponsors Rosenbauer, Qual-eFire, Aviation Rescue Services, De-Wipe, Fiji Water, ARFF Working Group, SOLBERG, Drager, Inter Fire Agencies and STYX MILL.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
