Firefighting equipment no longer needed at Stansted Airport is being donated to help save lives in Eastern Europe.
30 decommissioned Cromwell Helmets, retired by the airport’s fire service, will be shipped to Macedonia by the firefighter charity, Operation Florian. Based in the UK, the charity provides equipment and training to improve fire fighting capabilities in developing countries around the world.Photo: BAA Chief Executive, Colin Matthews (centre left), hands over the helmets to Leading Firefighter, Peter Boon (centre right). Also pictured are London Stansted Managing Director, Nick Batron (left), and Airport Fire Manager, Daren Barthram (right).
Leading Firefighter, Peter Boon, the airport’s charity representative, said:
“I’ve been a member of the charity for about four years in which time I have twice been to Macedonia to deliver equipment and provide training to the local firefighters. The helmets will help replace old fire kit giving firefighters in the area a much needed improvement to their equipment. Operation Florian is hugely grateful for the support they receive from Stansted Airport.”
Daren Barthram, London Stansted’s Fire Manager, explained the reason behind the donation:
“Stansted Airport is London’s third busiest airport so we need to maintain the very latest firefighting equipment. After years of service, the Cromwell Helmets are no longer suitable here but still have several years of life ahead of them in Macedonia. So rather than leave the helmets on the shelf to deteriorate, we felt that the Florian charity would benefit enormously from the airport’s donation. We’re thrilled to be able to support this wonderful organisation as the work they do is amazing.”
At a special ceremony held at the airport on Friday (September 23), BAA Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, along with London Stansted’s Managing Director, Nick Batron, and Airport Fire Manager, Daren Barthram, handed over the 30 Cromwell Helmets to Leading Firefighter and Operation Florian representative, Peter Boon.
