Police help fire crews in 'vital' training

The training included lifelike scenarios

Police officers from Plymouth have been supporting firefighters in lifelike training scenarios that included a brawl next to a burning car and people trapped inside a blazing building.

The training was part of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's level one incident commander course.

PC Debbie Benwell, who took part, said the training was "essential" to ensure police and fire crews worked together when emergencies happened and to "ensure the safety of the public".

Incident commanders take control of emergencies when up to four fire engines attend, and work closely with police and other emergency services.

PC Benwell said: "The exercises are vital in making sure we continue to provide an effective response to emergency situations, keeping public, colleagues and staff safe."

'Most challenging course'

The training is considered by many firefighters to be the "most challenging course they will ever attend"

Station manager Loz Parsons, from the fire service, said the collaboration between the two services was "the best I have ever known”.

Building relationships during training was "invaluable to a new commander", he said.

Mr Parsons said the incident commander training was considered by many firefighters to be the "most challenging course they will ever attend".