Francis Gallagher

Background

Francis "Franko" Gallagher joined Rochem FYREWASH® in 2023 as a Production Quality Engineer, bringing with him more than 27 years of diverse engineering experience. Now in his fourth year with the business, he continues to thrive on the camaraderie of the production team and enjoys the variety of engineering challenges each project brings.

Working closely with Duncan Thorpe, Senior Engineering & Technical Manager, Franko helps oversee the design, specification and production of Rochem FYREWASH® equipment, ensuring projects meet the highest quality standards.​

Franko's passion for engineering began at the age of 11 when he entered Robot Wars alongside his father, becoming the youngest competitor at the time. Together they designed and built increasingly sophisticated robots, eventually competing internationally and achieving several competition victories. This early passion for problem-solving laid the foundations for an extraordinary engineering career.​

Alongside his engineering interests, Franko became the youngest Lifeboat Coxswain in the UK, dedicating his free time to search and rescue operations while often carrying out emergency repairs to lifeboats and engines. His experiences also took him around the world, including expeditions to the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, the Sahara, Greenland and Germany, where he trained in survival techniques and 4x4 operations with military and search and rescue specialists.​

His career has included roles as a Professional Sound and Systems Engineer for major festivals and corporate events, an STCW Marine Engineer responsible for the operation and maintenance of commercial vessels, and a Radar Survey Engineer overseeing the installation and maintenance of surveillance equipment on remote islands and lighthouses. During one marine engineering role, he maintained an impressive zero-day downtime record over a two-year period.​

Before joining Rochem FYREWASH®, Franko spent ten years managing a specialist facility providing 24-hourposture management for people with complex disabilities, designing and manufacturing bespoke medical equipment that helped clients regain their independence.​

Outside work, Franko enjoys restoring and maintaining his Land Rovers, watching engineering videos, tackling unusual engineering projects with friends, and continuing his volunteer work at the lifeboat station, often accompanied by his dog, Odin. He also enjoys live music and festivals, a passion that stems from his sound engineering career, and loves spending time adventuring with his partner, family and, of course, Odin.​