Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) have teamed up with the MDP to develop training opportunities and formally introduce a seaborne response capability.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stew Adamson along with Cosham Station Manager Steve Jenkins signed off the agreement with MDP Superintendent Dave Pawley onboard a Police Launch Boat at Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth.
HFRS Director of Operations and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Stew Adamson said:
“We are committed to responding to emergencies on board vessels and structures in the Solent area and with the help of the MDP, we can continue to do this.
“Our close working with MDP also means that we can support our Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service colleagues should they need us.”
Superintendent Pawley said:
“This is another great example of the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Defence Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the safety and security of the local community in the Portsmouth and Solent area.
“Both of our organisations will benefit from the closer working that will result from this agreement, which will enhance operational effectiveness.
“My marine unit officers are looking forward to working with their colleagues from HFRS and to the joint training opportunities that signing this Memorandum of Understanding will provide.”
The agreement allows the two partners to work together in the transportation of HFRS officers, personnel and equipment when required to support incidents.
Station Manager Steve Jenkins said:
“In order to further deliver an excellent service to our communities, a seaborne response capability has been developed with some Hampshire coastal stations providing training and equipment that will enhance any incident response within the Solent.”
“Whilst working on training opportunities with our partners in the MDP we took the opportunity to discuss an agreement for transportation to incidents at sea.”
“It’s another great example of how through innovation and collaboration we make our communities even safer.”
Meanwhile, Hampshire Constabulary have enhanced their marine unit to support their policing and partnership work.
Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton said:
“This is really good news operationally. The changes we are making will ensure that we deliver a more flexible and focused service.
“We will place a greater focus on our partnership with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ministry of Defence Police and other emergency services.
“This will create a more efficient and resilient water search and recovery capability.
