Hazel Sellars
Aviation Firefighter & Crew Manager
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About
A dedicated Firefighter and Crew Manager with 13 years of combined military and commercial aviation firefighting experience. Originally from Newquay, Cornwall, I bring a proven track record of tactical emergency response, emergency appliance operation, and crew leadership in high-pressure aerodrome environments. Skilled instructor with extensive experience maintaining operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and safety standards across Category 10 and deployable aviation operations.
Experience
Firefighter at Cardiff Airport (2022-05 – Present)
- Deliver 24/7 emergency response across a Category 10 international airport, protecting passengers, aircraft, infrastructure, and personnel.
- Respond directly to aviation, structural, medical, and hazardous materials incidents in dynamic operational environments.
- Operate High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) equipment for advanced tactical exterior and interior aircraft firefighting.
- Execute wildlife hazard management as a qualified Bird Control Unit Operator to maintain active airside safety.
- Operate the Fire Control Room, efficiently coordinating airside communications and agency liaison during live incidents.
- Serve as Emergency Fire Appliance Driver, pump operator, and Medical First Responder.
- Maintain operational readiness through continuous competence training, rigorous equipment testing, and statutory compliance checks.
Firefighter Instructor / Crew Manager at Royal Air Force — Fire Service College (2020-11 – 2022-05)
- Selected as a specialist Firefighter Instructor responsible for developing military and civilian aviation firefighters.
- Qualified BA Instructor and CFBT Instructor; designed, delivered, and updated high-impact tactical training packages.
- Assessed recruits and experienced operational personnel against national occupational standards and military criteria.
- Mentored personnel from initial recruit phase through to full operational competence in live-fire and rescue environments.
- Recognised with the RAF Air Command Team Commendation (2021) for excellence in instructional delivery.
Crew Manager at Royal Air Force — Tactical Fire Unit (2018-09 – 2020-11)
- Led deployable tactical fire crews providing rapid aviation fire cover for high-tempo military transport operations globally.
- Served as Vehicle Commander responsible for crew safety, rapid dynamic decision-making, and overall deployment readiness.
- Delivered specialist aircraft fire cover and rescue services in austere and non-standard infrastructure locations.
- Provided specialized incident command and fire cover during major international airshows (e.g., Royal International Air Tattoo).
Firefighter at Royal Air Force (2013-12 – 2018-09)
- Provided front-line emergency response to aviation, structural, and hazardous materials incidents supporting joint aviation units.
- Operated the Fire Control Room, maintained specialist aerodrome firefighting appliances, and conducted fire safety inspections.
- Completed 3 operational deployments to the Falkland Islands providing dedicated military aerodrome crash and rescue cover.
