All geared up to respond to terrorism (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

All geared up to respond to terrorism

FIREFIGHTERS in Cirencester were ringing in the changes this week as they took delivery of a brand new piece of kit.

But the Incident Response Unit which will be housed in the station's newly built fire bay is something the service hopes it will not have to use.

Firefighter Graham Holland explained the unit, the only one in the county, was part of the Government's response to potential terrorist threats.

He said: "It will be used for going to incidents we hope will never happen but within the county we are also looking into using it for chemical incidents."

The unit houses several decontamination units which can be taken anywhere in the country to be used in the event of an attack using a chemical or dirty bomb.

Officers from Northleach, Fairford and Tetbury will also be trained to use the IRU.

Station commander Martyn Keen said the fact Cirencester had been awarded the new piece of kit.

He said: "It's unique in that in this day and age of financial constraints we have a station in the county which is growing. It's good for the local community that the station is growing and getting more equipment.

The new bay was officially opened by Peter Jones, the county's Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Safety in one of his last jobs before his retirement and Cirencester mayor Norman Whereat.

Mr Whereat said: "It's a marvellous piece of equipment which we are pleased to have here in Cirencester and we are very pleased that the firemen at Cirencester are trained to be able to use it. I just hope they never have to."

Peter Jones' replacement, Terry Standing, was also present at the opening ceremony.