Avon Fire and Rescue Service - Experts & Thought Leaders

Infographics is pleased to announce that Avon Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new FireWatch-driven technology innovation program, targeting greater flexibility, resilience, and increased visibility of resources.  The program’s first phase has gone live and covers migrating from the FRS’s current on-premise system to the FireWatch Cloud. integrated cloud-hosted system Avon FRS manage their HR, wholetime availability and rostering, retained payments, and training and development via the new integrated cloud-hosted system, underpinned by Microsoft Azure. This also provides flexible access from anywhere at any time, simplified support, and a performant, resilient Cloud solution.  inclusions and features As part of the broader planned program, the next phase will include the following:  Deployment of FireWatch for On-call Availability, replacing the current Rappel system. The deployment of the FireWatch Mobilization Interface within the emergency Control Room, integrating with the SSS Vision mobilization system. Rollout of the FireWatch cross-platform Mobile App client. Rollout of the FireWatch standard e-learning integration module. real-time visibility Once fully delivered, the project will further extend the users’ access to the system via mobile devices Once fully delivered, the project will further extend the users’ access to the system via mobile devices, increase real-time visibility of availability and resources, and integrate live operational data with the Control Room.   Simon Shilton, Chief Fire Officer, of Avon Fire and Rescue Service said, “I am delighted to share the news of our migration to Infographics’ FireWatch Cloud solution as part of the Service’s wider Transformation Programme."  FireWatch Cloud solution "The FireWatch solution provides a single integrated cloud solution and user experience that can be accessed via the Web, App, Microsoft365, and other locations." "It enables us to deliver further FireWatch improvements, creating efficiencies in our ways of working, bringing On-Call colleagues into FireWatch, increasing visibility of our available resources, and streamlining the user experience.”   Platform evaluation I would encourage any FRS that has not reviewed FireWatch Cloud and the system’s latest features" Russell Wood, Commercial Manager at Infographics, said, ”We are delighted to work with Avon Fire and Rescue Service and multiple other clients to migrate them to our FireWatch Cloud platform."  “I would encourage any FRS that has not reviewed FireWatch Cloud and the system’s latest features to evaluate how much we have moved forward with our investments in modern App and Cloud technologies."   data approach, cost savings “As well as the benefits of utilizing the latest technologies available, the integrated system and data approach can deliver significant direct cost savings, efficiency benefits and reduce risk through more accurate data from a single source." “The ability to perform remote upgrades and the increased scalability and resilience offered by FireWatch Cloud are also crucial for our clients across the UK. With these solutions, FRSs can securely access systems and carry out critical work from any location, at any time required.”

The Fleur Lombard Bursary aims to advance the education of junior members of the fire and rescue service, by the grant of bursaries to enable them to travel and study fire and rescue service-related issues at other fire and rescue services elsewhere in the UK, Europe, or worldwide. If interested in finding out more about an issue affecting fire and rescue service or want to improve the understanding of fire and rescue service issues, may be interested in applying for the bursary. Members of fire and rescue service staff, up to and including Watch Manager or equivalent corporate staff, from any UK fire and rescue service are invited to apply for funding to support a research trip. Objectives of self-directed study The bursary is aimed at self-directed study and applications should aim to demonstrate at least one or more of the following objectives: Reducing fires And/or reducing death and injury by fire And/or preventing damage to property and environment by fire And/or reducing the risk of death or injury to firefighters And offering career development stemming from the study Further information and the funding application form can be found on Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s website. Firefighter Fleur Lombard Bursary aims to keep Fleur’s values alive, aiding others go their careers in the fire and rescue service The bursary was setup in memory of Firefighter Fleur Lombard who was the first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain. She tragically died in 1996 tackling a fire in a supermarket in Staple Hill, Bristol. Fleur was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal and Chief Fire Officer's Commendation in recognition of her bravery. Two of her colleagues who were with her that day were also awarded the George Medal and the Queen's Commendation for Bravery. After Fleur's tragic death, a trust fund was set up as a fitting tribute to her bravery, courage, dedication, and professionalism. The bursary aims to keep Fleur’s values alive, helping others progress their careers in the fire and rescue service. Avon Fire and Rescue Service “You won’t regret it”: Station Manager Krissy Foster-Pullen encourages fires and rescue staff to apply for Fleur Lombard Bursary. As a Control Firefighter at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, Krissy visited the New York Fire Department to find out more about youth fire safety interventions thanks to the Fleur Lombard Bursary. NY Fire Department to find more about youth fire safety interventions thanks to Fleur Lombard Bursary Krissy used the bursary funding to shadow a fire safety interventions officer, who headed up the community safety department at the New York Fire Department. Krissy traveled to numerous schools in the city – including the Bronx, Queens, and Long Island – to gain a better understanding of their interventions with the aim of taking these learnings back to Avon Fire and Rescue Service to improve safety interventions with local teenagers. Fire safety interventions Now working as a Station Manager Control at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Krissy said: “I would encourage anyone with an idea or interest to apply for the bursary, it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel and find out more about the work of fire and rescue services across the world. “Not only do I look back on my research and travels fondly, I learned a lot about a completely different way of working that inspired me to bring back those new ideas to my own Service. It was an honor to keep Fleur’s memory alive by using the bursary to learn more about New York Fire Department fire safety interventions. If you’re interested, I’d absolutely encourage you to apply – you won’t regret it.”

MSA Safety Incorporated, a pioneer in firefighter safety equipment and technology, opens a newly expanded, state-of-the-art facility for producing firefighter protective apparel in Yate, near Bristol, UK. The modernized facility provides new and enhanced work areas for MSA associates, as well as much-needed space for future growth and international expansion. Celebrated this morning with a ribbon-cutting event, the building establishes MSA Bristol’s Yate campus as a global center of excellence for fire protective clothing design, production, and service. Improved workplace environment “We are incredibly excited to be opening this expanded and improved facility in Bristol,” said Jason Traynor, General Manager of MSA’s Global Fire Service Products. “It marks a significant investment in the business that supports our growth aspirations and our desire to enhance the overall work environment for our staff and visitors.” The company has ambitious growth plans and is making significant investments in the business MSA Bristol’s new Yate Campus brings together its central offices, Cutting Unit, Western Service Centre, and International Distribution Centre. The modern campus offers the company’s 153 highly skilled staff an improved workplace environment and excellent transport links, and will serve as a hub for all MSA Bristol activity. MSA Safety acquired Bristol Uniforms in January 2021. The company has ambitious growth plans and is making significant investments in the business to enhance the company’s facilities and firefighting clothing portfolio. Improved office spaces “MSA Bristol’s central offices and Western Service Centre were previously based at our premises in Staple Hill, Bristol, but we’ve outgrown that site and need space to expand,” Mr. Traynor said. “The Yate campus includes improved office spaces and meeting rooms, modern and more comfortable break-out areas and expanded parking areas for staff. It also showcases MSA’s cutting-edge products for all that visit the facility. MSA Bristol’s PPE is world-renowned, and we are investing in the future.” MSA Bristol’s PPE is world-renowned, and we are investing in the future" Among those attending the official opening, was Bob Leenen, President of MSA’s International Business Segment. Mr. Leenen commented: “The opening of this expanded facility represents a new chapter for MSA Bristol and demonstrates our commitment to the Bristol brand, our people, and the region. The new facility, combined with our three regional service centers across the UK, represent a platform for overall growth in fire service, both within the UK and across other parts of the world.” Safety and protective clothing Simon Shilton, Avon Fire and Rescue’s Chief Fire Officer, was honored to take part in the opening ceremony and saw first-hand the improved and expanded facilities during a tour of the site. He said: “I am delighted to have been invited to attend the grand opening of MSA Bristol’s new facility in Yate. MSA Bristol, formerly Bristol Uniforms as we’ve known them over the years, have and continue to be a key local employer, providing us with uniform and other safety and protective clothing.” “As an organization, we’re committed to supporting local businesses and in turn the local economy. MSA Bristol plays an integral part in keeping our staff safe and working together in partnership supports our organizational objectives of Making our Service Stronger and Making our Communities Safer.”