Silver Helmet to Be 'Shining Example' Of Fire Service

A silver fireman’s helmet, which has been proudly displayed atthe power station for 25 years, has been handed over to be used asan award to the winning fire-fighting team during the annualinter-brigade competition to test the skills and competence ofcrews.

Drax was allowed to keep the helmet after its fire safety teamwon the trophy for three years running in the 1980s when a similarnational contest was held between 15 power stations in the days ofthe Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB).

Following privatisation of the industry in 1990 the helmet,which is made of silver plated nickel and is a replica of theMerryweather High Comb style worn in the 1860s, remained at DraxPower Station.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service group manager AllenCunningham was presented with the helmet by a 3-man team from Drax.This included Derek Leetham, generation manager and Roger Turnbull,generation day team section head, two of the original Drax SafetyIncident Controllers who helped secure the trophy permanently, andKevin Tate, an assistant unit operator and present-day fire teamleader of the station’s 60-strong fire crew and also watch managerwith Snaith Fire Brigade.

Allen Cunningham said: “I’m sure this striking prize will be asmuch sought after by fire teams throughout the region as it wasamong crews in the power industry.

“We work closely with fire-fighters at major installations suchas Drax to ensure safe and controlled handling of incidents. I’mdelighted to receive this trophy and believe it will be a shiningexample of the fire service.”

Derek Leetham added: “It’s fitting that a trophy which hassymbolised the talent of the fire crews at Drax for the last threedecades will now recognise the achievements of professionalfire-fighters.

“There’s a space in the display cabinet we have to fill but it’sgood to know the helmet will be displayed with just as muchpride.”

For more information, please contact:

Melanie Wedgbury/Rachael Hudson
Drax Power 01757 618381

Richard Harrison/Sam Addie
Imagen PR 01943 468778

Notes to Editors

1. Drax Power Limited is the owner of Drax Power Station, thelargest, cleanest and most efficient coal fired power station inthe UK. The output capacity from the station’s six generators is4,000MW. At current output levels it supplies some 7% of the UK’selectricity needs.

2. Drax generated around 6% of the UK’s renewable power in thefirst half of 2011; double the renewable output of any otherfacility.