Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 04/05/2012 07:39

**Photo and interview opportunity - 8am, Friday 11 May at Liskeard Fire Station**

A team from Rotary International Overseas Project Team (OPT) and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will be setting off for Kosova next week to hand over three former fire appliances to the country’s fire service.

The team made up of Rotarians from Bodmin, Falmouth, Launceston, St Ives Bay and Wadebridge, along with Station Manager Robert Collins from Liskeard and CFRS mechanic Chris Ellis, will set off from Liskeard Fire Station on Friday 11 May.

The team will complete the 1,800 mile journey to Gjakovë, Pejë and Podujevë, driving the three decommissioned Land Rover fire and rescue vehicles.

Each vehicle will be equipped with water tanks, pumps and hoses and breathing apparatus equipment as well as ladders, hazardous chemical suits and life saving crash rescue equipment.

“We are delighted that our fundraising efforts have meant we are now able to deliver these much-needed vehicles,” said Barry Kressinger Coordinator of Rotary International OPT.

“Kosova continues to struggle to rebuild its infrastructure following the devastating war with Serbia that ended in 1999. In particular, fire fighting services are poor and Rotary International’s overseas project team has done much over the years to provide modern equipment and training to the republic with the generous support and help of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.

“Forest fires are a real problem during the hot summer months and very few fire stations have 4 x 4 vehicles to transport firefighters to the scene. Some stations have to tackle as many as 400 forest fires each year.”

“While these vehicles have come to the end of their operational role at CFRS, they will continue to help to save lives,” said Des Tidbury, Chief Fire Officer of CFRS. “I am pleased that we are able to continue to support the work of Rotary International.”

“As Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service continues its improvement journey it is pleasing to see that we can still help colleagues in other countries to continue their journeys,” said Councillor Lance Kennedy, Cornwall Council portfolio holder from Community Safety and Public Protection. “I wish the team all good luck and a safe trip.”

Updates from the trip will be posted on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/CornwallFRS

Notes to editors:
There will be an opportunity to photograph and interview the team at 8am on Friday 11 May at Liskeard Fire Station as the group prepare to head off for Kosova. Contact Barry Kressinger from Launceston Rotary Club on 01566 776136.