GREATER MANCHESTER FIREFIGHTERS IN HAITI - UPDATE
14 January 2010
The nine firefighters and search and rescue dog from Greater Manchester are now safely back in the UK. Following thier return Chief Fire Officer Steve McGuirk says
“It was with great pride that I welcomed back safely the members of our service to their families. They have demonstrated tenacity, professionalism and courage in taking part in the UK national response to help the people of Haiti.
The successes they have achieved are truly commendable in a time of such devastation and suffering and our thoughts remain with the people of Haiti as they continue to try and rebuild their country.”
Unfortunately Echo, the Fire Service dog is under quarantine for up to 6 months near Blackpool. Mick Dewar, his handler is visiting Echo on regular basis and will keep us updated. See the Fire Service dogs blog
The team members sent from Greater Manchester were;
| Name |
Age |
Role at incident |
Base |
Years in Service |
Home |
| Peter Stevenson |
48 |
Operations Commander |
Rochdale Borough |
30 |
Oldham |
| Simon Cording |
35 |
Rescue Technician |
Sale |
12 |
Wigan |
| Andy Roughley |
48 |
Team Leader/Rescue Technician |
Eccles |
24 |
Eccles |
| Martin Fisher |
49 |
Rescue Technician |
Training Centre |
25 |
Radcliffe |
| Martin Foran |
29 |
Rescue Technician |
Chadderton |
9 |
Haslingden |
| Vic Kopicki |
50 |
Rescue Technician |
Eccles |
28 |
Bolton |
| Dean Nankivell |
43 |
Rescue Technician |
Fire Service HQ |
18 |
Glossop |
| John Hughes |
38 |
Rescue Technician |
Salford |
12 |
St Helens |
| Mick Dewar & Echo |
41 |
Dog handler/ Rescue Technician |
Fire Investigation Unit |
19 |
Kearsley |
Editors Notes
The UK ISAR team was made up of personnel from Greater Manchester, West Sussex, Kent, West Midlands, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Hampshire as well as Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services.
A total of 64 personnel were mobilised, assisted by two search dogs and equipped with twelve tonnes of equipment.
Press enquires
All enquiries regarding this press statement should be made to:
The Media Liaison Officer
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters
146 Bolton Road
Swinton
Manchester
M27 8US
Telephone: 0161 608 4090/1
Fax: 0161 608 4095
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