The Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Working Group is the largest RFFS think tank and forum in the world. Once a year they get together for their AGM and at their awards dinner they nominate a ‘Legend’ of the industry, a coveted award that has only been granted to a few people globally so far. The criteria are extremely impressive, stating that an individual can only consider to be nominated by meeting the following criteria:
- The Nominee has had active involvement in the industry for more than 20 years
- The Nominee played a significant role in the shaping and direction of the ARFF community
- The Nominee’s actions provided the catalyst for major change or improvement in the ARFF industry.
- The Nominee developed a level of respect within the ARFF community that contributed to their effectiveness.
- The Nominee made substantial sacrifices to continue to be engaged in the ARFF community.
As you can see from the criteria above these are substantive conditions for nomination and John was both nominated and selected to be the recipient of this year’s Legend award. His citation read:
“The aviation fire safety community is a better place largely due to your hard-fought efforts to recognize the need to improve the levels of service, technology, and involvement of the ARFF industry. Your tenacity and NEVER GIVE UP attitude have not only benefited the aviation fire safety industry but the safety of all those who take to the airways throughout the world. We are truly honored by your efforts.”
There were many high ranking personalities from the world of aviation fire fighting at the ceremony, including Lars Andersen, the Fire Chief of the Danish Royal Air Force, who you will see in the attached photo congratulating John on the award.
This culminates an extensive career in which John has been a firefighter in the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, the Public Fire Service in Hertfordshire and the British Airport Authority at which time he rose to be the Airport Fire Manager at London’s Heathrow Airport. Following this John joined the UK aviation sector regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, as an Aerodrome Inspector before joining Falck in 2010.
Robert Peasgood, Fire UK’s Managing Director said:
“This award is thoroughly deserved and I am delighted that John’s enormous influence in the development of aviation fire and rescue services worldwide is coming into recognition. I was particularly pleased to note that his nomination had come from the leadership at Copenhagen Airport. John’s expertise and experience leads to real improvement across the sector and is now being used to support our clients both in the UK and beyond. We are very proud to have John working for us here at Falck.”
