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His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales visited Ryde Community Fire Station today (Friday 17 July) to learn about the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service which is undergoing a period of transformation, known as Model for Change.
His Royal Highness was met by the Island's Chief Fire Officer Paul Street who introduced Cllr Barry Abraham, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member with responsibility for the fire service and the station's firefighters.
His Royal Highness viewed appliances used by the crews before being shown a time-line display from the 1800's through until 2014 showing how the service has changed over time and explaining its vision for the future.
The Prince was then introduced to members of the Youth Engagement Scheme who run a programme called LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education). The young people involved demonstrated the skills they have learned during the programme, showing their knowledge of equipment used by the fire and rescue service. After the display, His Royal Highness met young people involved in the programme.
Finally His Royal Highness viewed a vehicle belonging to a firefighter about to embark on a charity race to Mongolia in aid of the Christina Noble Foundation. His Royal Highness was introduced to Ross Smallcombe who departs the Island this weekend with his modified Suzuki Swift to take part in the Mongol Rally.
Commenting on the visit, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Fire and Community Safety Barry Abraham said ""His Royal Highness was impressed with our model for change project and how we plan to develop the fire service to meet the changing needs of the Island"
