Station Manager within the Operational Assets Department for Equipment Development, we conduct research and development on operational equipment and associated procedures. This includes carrying out effective evaluations and trials in conjunction with operational and response staff. We ensure any procurement is carried out in a fair, honest and transparent way by utilising existing frameworks and collaborative procurement processes, where possible. Equipment Development also have responsibility for providing adequate Water Supplies for Firefighting by means of approximately 40,000 maintained and available Fire Hydrants, We work closely with six different water companies and other private providers who install and maintain hydrants. Equipment Development are also working towards best practice solutions, preventative measures, and procedures to help support a healthy workforce in relation to the suggested and identified impacts of exposure to contaminants alongside the decontamination of HIWFRS personnel and firefighting equipment after exposure to products of combustion and fire effluent. I am committed to ensuring that we provide the right operational equipment in the right place at the right time and that equipment used by our staff has the required support, assessment and information to make sure they are used effectively and safely.