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The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) welcomed the Prince and Princess of Wales to its new Learning and Development College near Cookstown yesterday, in what Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings described as “a proud and unforgettable day” for the service.
The royal couple toured the training facility, meeting Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Jennings, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, trainee firefighters, and a range of support and operational staff. The visit offered an insight into the breadth of roles within NIFRS and the organisation’s commitment to public safety across Northern Ireland.
During their visit, the Prince and Princess observed a series of live training demonstrations, including flood water and rope rescues, designed to replicate real-life emergency scenarios. The exercises highlighted how the new facility is preparing personnel with the practical skills and resilience required to respond to a wide range of incidents.
Adding to the excitement of the day, the royal visitors took part in a water rescue drill by throwing lines and enjoyed a short trip in a fire appliance around the 50-acre training site.
The visit coincided with Fire Safety Week, which focuses on promoting home fire safety and protecting those most at risk within the community.
Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Jennings said the event was a fitting celebration of the dedication and teamwork that define the Service.
“Welcoming the Prince and Princess of Wales to our Learning & Development College truly was a proud and unforgettable day for our Service and fitting that it occurred during Fire Safety Week,” he said. “It was a privilege to have our royal visitors meet many people across our Service and recognise their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm.”
He added that the new training facilities are “revolutionising how we train and develop our people,” enabling NIFRS to meet the evolving demands of a modern emergency service.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also welcomed the royal visit, describing it as a “significant recognition” of the courage and commitment of firefighters across Northern Ireland.
“This world-class facility equips them with the skills and confidence they need to serve and protect our community,” he said. “Fire Safety Week is a timely reminder that safety is a shared responsibility, and simple steps can help protect our homes and our loved ones.”
The Chief Fire Officer expressed gratitude to the Northern Ireland Office, the Executive Office, and the Department of Health for their support in facilitating the visit, which he said will be remembered with pride across the Service.
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