Recycling and haulage experts Scott Bros donated two hard-to-source HGVs to enable Cleveland firefighters to practise their life saving rescue skills.
Cleveland Fire Brigade crews visited the family-run firm’s base, near Stockton, where they were able use the lorries for vital training in road traffic collision techniques.
The Brigade’s acute need for this type of vehicle was brought to the firm’s attention by one of its part time drivers, who is also a firefighter.
David Barkley, watch manager with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We are extremely grateful to Scott Bros for its generous donation.
“We find it very difficult to source HGVs as they are a valuable commodity to firms, even when they have come to the end of their life span, as they still are worth a lot with their parts usually sold on for scrap.
“It was extremely useful for our crew to be able to get direct experience of working with real trucks and to practise the techniques essential to freeing anyone trapped in a lorry’s cab after a road accident.
“Thanks to Scott Bros, we have been able to rehearse a range of life-saving and rescue methods and enhance our ability to protect and serve the Teesside community.”
Peter Scott said: “When one of our drivers brought it to our attention that the fire brigade finds it hard to source HGVs to use as part of their training, we were only too happy to help.
“As a family-run local firm, we are keen to be as community orientated as possible and providing these vehicles for the Fire Brigade to practise on reflects this ethos.”
The fire fighters paid two visits to the Haverton Hill site. The first focused on how to stabilise flammable components and prevent them from placing the surrounding area and people at risk.
The second training session involved the crews deploying metal-cutting equipment to remove the roofs of the cabs as well as apparatus to detach the windscreens.
Scott Bros specialises in haulage and skip and plant hire, as well as, during the years, having diversified its operations to provide an extensive range of recycling services.