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Who's who in AFOA?
 

A message from the Chairman:
 
Welcome to the website of the Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) By using the menu on the left hand side of this page you will be able to investigate current AFOA business, what’s new in the industry and find links to many aviation fire related websites. The AFOA Committee and all its members (currently 45 airports) are committed to developing best practices for airport fire services through conferences, professional discussion and an ongoing proactive networking system.  AFOA has no political agenda and is a not for profit association.

 

The aviation industry is today facing its most challenging period for several decades. The current economic climate alone has struck at all levels of aerodromes with spiralling fuel costs leading to several high profile carriers going out of business. On top of this, such issues as the environment, airport security and the future requirements from EASA are asking more and more from airports whilst at the same time being required to operate as a profitable business.

 

The modern Airport Fire Manager would see his or her role more comparable to that of an accountant or a Health and Safety Manager compared to not so long ago when we were “just Fire Officers”

 

During these trying times it is absolutely vital that we as an industry of Fire Managers regularly remind ourselves what the heart of our job role is; and that is to save life.

 

AFOA is an excellent vehicle for ensuring ongoing dialogue and reviewing current best practises with the aviation fire environment. AFOA currently represents over 45 aerodromes within the UK and has proven its resilience through an unprecedented period of uncertainty for us all.

 

I ask that you all continue to support AFOA in which ever way you can, to ensure that our field of expertise stays protected now and in the future. Together we are stronger.

 

Jason Ivey - AFOA Chairman

 
 
Commitee Member Profiles
 

Chairman

 
Jason Ivey - Airfield Operations Manager - TAG Farnborough
 
Jason has held the post of AFOA Treasurer/Secretary for the past three years.  He joined the Royal Air Force Fire Service in 1987 and moved to Cardiff International Airport in 1992 where he remained for seven years attaining the post of Sub Officer.
 
In 1999 Jason moved to Manchester Airport as a Watch Manager/Training & Development Manager until 2002 when he joined the CAA as an Aerodrome Inspector for the next two years.

 

Jason has been the Operations Manager at TAG Farnborough Airport since May 2006 where he spent the previous twenty months as the Fire Service Manager

 

 AFOA Vice Chairman

 

Gerry Keogh - Chief Airport Fire Officer - Dublin Airport Authority

 

Gerry joined the Airport Police / Fire Service at Dublin airport in 1979.  He was promoted to Station Officer in 1990 and went on to complete a six month secondment at IFTC as an instructor in 1991.

In 1992 he became the Fire Service Training Officer and was promoted to Watch Commander in 1995.

Gerry has been the Chief Airport Fire Officer at Dublin Airport since 2000 and is also responsible for Emergency Planning, Ruway Friction Testing and Bird Scaring Operations.

He has studied Health and Safety at University College Dublin and is currently working towards a diploma in Management Studies with the Irish Aviation Authority.

Gerry has been a key element in the organisation and success of the last two AGM's hosted at Dublin Airport. He has enjoyed the the experience so much that he has agreed to organise next years event also.

 

Communications Officer

 

 Bill Kitchen – Fire and Facilities Manager – Cardiff International Airport Limited

Bill joined the Airport Fire Service at Bournemouth Airport in 1979, as a fire-fighter for the British Aircraft Corporation. He transferred to the British Aerospace site at Filton, Bristol in 1984 where he progressed through the ranks to Station Officer.

In May 1995, he was asked to carry out a twelve week secondment to Cardiff Airport as Senior Airport Fire Officer at a time when TBI had just purchased the airport from the Local Government. The position was made permanent in November that same year.

He has successfully developed the Airport Fire Service from a Category 6 airfield to a Category 7. During the 2005 May to November summer season, this was increased to Category 8. Category 9 aircraft can also operate from Cardiff on request.

Bill has now handed the operational responsibilities of the Fire Station over to his SAFO but has a strategic level overview for planning of equipment and vehicles. He maintains responsibility for Emergency Planning for the Airport.

Bill has other responsibilities focusing on the Airside Safety, Facilities Management and Terminal Standards.

Bill has worked hard for the Committee since its rebirth from the former Senior Airport Fire Officers Association. He has been fortunate to be a member of the AFOA Committee since its inception. He has been a past Chairman and is pleased to take on the role of Acting Chairman for the interim period.

 

Communications Officer
 
Paul Hardiman - Fire Service Manager - Highlands & Islands Airports Limited
 
Paul joined the Airport Fire Service in 1986 as a recruit Fire Fighter with London City Airport. He progressed through the ranks and in 1991 attained the position of Watch Commander. In 1997 he was appointed the role of Instructor at the International Fire Training College, Teesside County Durham.

His main duties were to deliver all aspects of fire training to the aviation, maritime, offshore and Industrial sectors and training of overseas fire fighters. During his time at the college he studied and gained a City and Guild qualification in Adult Teaching CGLI 7306.

In October 2000 Paul was appointed as the Senior Airport Fire Officer with Highlands and Islands Airports, Inverness, responsible for the provision and management of RFFS Category 7. In addition he also managed Emergency Planning and Airside Safety Committees.

Paul was promoted to Fire Service Manager for Highlands & Islands Airports in January 2007 and now has the management responsibility for the RFFS provision throughout the 11 airport locations.
 
Operations Officer
 
George Taylor - Training Manager - Highlands & Islands Airports Limited
 
George joined the Airport Fire Service in 1975 as a Firefighter at Inverness Airport.  He progressed through the ranks and transferred to Kirkwall in 1990 as SAFO of this RFF Category 5 operation before returning to Inverness as SAFO in 1994. His main responsibility was for the provision and management of RFFS Category 6.  During the development of a new terminal building he also acted as a duty manager which was in addition to his fire service role. George was involved in Emergency Planning at both Kirkwall and Inverness airports.

In 2000 he transferred to HIAL Head Office with responsibility for developing and implementing competence based training, with the objective of achieving MOC status which was granted in 2006.  He also has the additional role of support for Emergency Planning to the 10 airports within the group.

George has represented aviation at the FRS VSG and is currently involved in the review of CAP 699. An active member of the Redkite User Group, he has been involved in the development of PDS and was recently appointed as Chair of the Aviation Group.
 
Treasurer
 

Haydn Beynon - Deputy Chief - Bristol International Airport

 

Haydn joined Bristol International Airport Fire Service in 1989 as a Firefighter and progressed through the ranks and become a Watch Manager in 1995. He took on the responsibility of Training and Development of all RFFS personnel managing a Category 7 operation in 1997 and was promoted to his current position as Deputy Fire Service Manager in 1998. His role extends into Operational compliance, Emergency Planning and managing specific airside projects in support of the Operations Department.

Haydn is an active member of the AFOA committee and has contributed towards the development of the AFOA CAP 699 guidance manual. He currently has the responsibility to oversee and Chair the Non Local Authority Fire Service Sector of the CFOA Compartment Fire Fighting Training Working Group. He has also represented AFOA providing support to the first African ICAO Regional Workshop held in Ghana 28th July 2003.

Haydn has been a member of Avon Fire and Rescue service since 1987 and is currently a Watch Manager of a station in Weston-super-Mare. He is also the Retained Duty System representative on the Senior Management Team, responsible for advising the team on RDS Service Delivery issues.


Secretary

 
Mark Lakin - Manchester Airport
 
Operations Officer
 
Barry Alderslade
 
Website Manager - Executive Associate Member

Bob Slade
 
Bob Joined the Airport Fire Service in 1979 as a Fire Fighter with British Aerospace and in 1982 he moved to Birmingham International Airport.  After 14 years on watch in various roles, he was promoted in 1996 to Station Officer covering all aspects for Fire Safety at BHX.
 
In 1997 Bob was promoted to Watch Commander and remained on watch for five years before becoming the Training Officer at BHX following the adoption of CAP 699.
 
Bob recently took early retirement/redundancy from Birmingham following the company decision to outsource the fire section.  He now spends his time consulting on training, assessment, internal verification for Airport Fire Service/Local Authority and providing emergency watch cover.  Bob is currently the aviation advisor to the Fire Safety Engineering College in Oman.
 
Bob has committed to develop the AFOA website into an information hub for the association.