Prince and Princess of Wales Visit Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service’s new training college

All photos: William Cherry/Presseye

A royal visit to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has been hailed as “a proud and unforgettable day for our Service” by Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings.

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the organisation’s new state-of-the-art Learning & Development College, located outside Cookstown in County Tyrone, where they met with firefighters, trainees, and staff to learn more about how the Service protects communities across Northern Ireland.

During their visit, the royal couple were greeted by Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, before meeting a range of operational and support personnel. They also watched a series of live demonstrations replicating real-life emergency situations, including flood water rescues and rope rescues.

In a moment that delighted onlookers, the Prince and Princess joined in by throwing lines during a water rescue demonstration and even took a short trip in a Fire Appliance around the College’s 50-acre site.

The visit came during Fire Safety Week, which focuses on preventing fires in the home and protecting the most vulnerable in the community.

Chief Fire Officer Jennings said:

“Welcoming the Prince and Princess of Wales to our Learning & Development College truly was a proud and unforgettable day for our Service and fitting that it occurred during Fire Safety Week.

“With a one team ethos in NIFRS, our personnel work together to help make Northern Ireland a safer place. It was a privilege to have our royal visitors meet many people across our Service and recognise their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in doing so.

“I’m honoured that the Prince and Princess witnessed first-hand how the real-life scenario-based training facilities are revolutionising how we train and develop our people enabling us to meet the evolving needs of a modern-day Fire & Rescue Service.

“Our next generation of Firefighters currently undergoing their training at the college clearly demonstrated that today in their display of operational skills and capabilities.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Prince and Princess for their visit, their kind words, support and recognition of the work of all our people in NIFRS dedicated to serving our community and keeping people safe.

“I would also like to thank the Northern Ireland Office, the Executive Office and the Department of Health for their efforts and support in making this memorable visit possible.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also praised the visit, describing it as a fitting tribute to the Service’s professionalism and public service.

“I was honoured to greet Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, today. Their visit was a significant recognition of the courage and commitment of our Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and dedicated staff, and of the vital role this world-class facility plays in equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to serve and protect our community.

“Fire Safety Week is a timely reminder that safety is a shared responsibility, and simple steps can help protect our homes and our loved ones.”

The NIFRS Learning & Development College, which opened recently, provides advanced, scenario-based training designed to prepare firefighters for modern-day challenges — from climate-related emergencies to urban rescues — ensuring that personnel across Northern Ireland are ready to respond safely and effectively.

The royal couple’s visit highlighted both the Service’s commitment to innovation and its essential role in community protection, leaving what Chief Officer Jennings called “an unforgettable mark” on staff and trainees alike.