DeHavilland Report – Fire Brigades Union
Monday, 8 November 2010

Mentions

Central Government and Agencies

• Oxfordshire County Council – Two local men awarded Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for bravery

House of Commons

Early Day Motions and Petitions

• EDM 927 – Fire Brigades Union Industrial Action (updated)

Political Party Press Releases

• John McDonnell – Parliamentary support for RMT and TSSA industrial action on the Tube

Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

• Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) – STUC Women’s Conference declare support for London Firefighters
• Trade Union Coordinating Group – Press notice- Support for NUJ and FBU industrial action grows

TV and Radio

• Newsnight – FBU’s Wrack quizzed over cancellation of Bonfire Night strikes

Fire Services

House of Commons

House of Commons Questions

• Gale, R – Regional Fire and Emergency Response Programme (Costs)
• Gale, R – Regional Fire and Emergency Response Programme (Commissioning)
• Gale, R – Regional Fire and Emergency Response Programme (Termination)
• Cunningham, A – Fire Services (North East)
• Mann, J – Fire Services (Nottinghamshire)
• Fitzpatrick – Fire Service Strikes
• Brooke, A – Sky Lanterns
• McDonnell, J – Fire Services
• Cunningham, A – Fire Services (North East)
• Patel – Fire Services (Industrial Disputes)
• Pritchard – Fire Services (West Midlands)

Regions

Northern Ireland Assembly

• Northern Ireland Executive – Attacks on firefighters must end – McGimpsey

Mentions

Central Government and Agencies

Oxfordshire County Council – Two local men awarded Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for bravery

Tue, 2 November 2010 | Local Authority Press Release

Contents

Two men from Oxfordshire have been awarded the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for Bravery after rescuing a school teacher who became trapped in her car when she skidded off the road and crashed into a stream.

David Etheridge, Chief Fire Officer at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, hosted the recent Community Safety Awards evening which highlighted the efforts of Wayne Ford and Will Oliver. The pair have been recognised for outstanding courage in the face of overwhelming danger.

Icy conditions

The morning of Monday, February 22, saw extreme weather conditions with temperatures below freezing and heavy snow fall. Helen Birch-Machin from Abingdon, was driving along Cuxham Road in Cuxham when she lost control of her car, spun 180 degrees and rolled over into a ditch filled with water. Wayne and Will were on their way to work when they spotted skid marks in the snow and then saw the car on its roof and submerged in the freezing water.

Without a second thought, they pulled over and Wayne took the ladder from their van, climbed down into the ditch and swam out to the car. He managed to open the door and kept Helen conscious until the emergency services arrived.

When Oxfordshire’s firefighters got to the scene, crews made a ladder bridge to get to the car and cut several branches down from the trees around them to make the rescue easier. Helen was pulled from the car and only suffered minor injuries.

Wayne, despite being cold and wet, insisted on staying with her until she was safely in the ambulance and knew that she was ok.

Wayne Ford, aged 51 from Chalgrove, said: “We saw the car and I heard Helen screaming. The water was very deep and running fast. It was a long way down so I used the ladder and threw myself into the water. I tried to reassure Helen that help was on its way. Her hand was trapped in the car door, so I opened it and wedged myself between her and the door and I kept talking to her until the emergency services arrived.

“I stayed with her throughout and both of us were very very cold and wet. Looking back now I am glad that I did what I did and I would do it again. The Commendation Award was an honour and a great surprise.”

Dramatic events

And while Wayne was helping Helen, Will made vital phone calls and directed other drivers. As he was doing so, there was another accident which happened while the rescue was taking place.

Will Oliver, aged 20 from Wheatley, said: “I rang the emergency services and stopped the traffic coming towards the accident. But a lot of people were not paying attention to the treacherous roads in the blizzard like conditions, and another driver went straight into the back of another car.

“When you see a terrible accident like that, your adrenalin just takes over and you just try to deal with the situation as quickly as possible. I’m just glad I could help and Helen was ok.”

Outstanding courage

Without any thought to their personal safety, the duo undoubtedly saved Helen’s life.

Helen Birch-Machin said: “I firmly believed that my life had come to an end. I realised that there was no way that anyone could see me from the road. It would have been a horrible way to die. About ten minutes elapsed and I was beginning to panic when I heard voices and Wayne and Will arrived on the scene. I realised then that I had a good chance of survival. I told Wayne to keep me talking as enduring the freezing water was quite a struggle for me. Will was the one who made the crucial phone calls.

“I believe that Will and Wayne saved my life. They have big hearts. I wish the incident had never happened as I do have frightening flashbacks. On the other hand, I got to see a wonderful side of human nature. Also, I have a sense of being given a second life. I will always share a special bond with Wayne and Will. I was delighted to hear of their bravery award.”

David Etheridge, Chief Fire Officer for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When I was made aware of the bravery that Wayne and Will displayed whilst entering freezing water on a snowy morning in order to save and support Helen’s life, I didn’t hesitate to award them the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation. At a time when we are fed negative news stories and headlines, it is always reassuring to know that there are exemplary citizens such as Wayne and Will who are prepared to stop and help instead of just driving past.”

Long service medals

To add to the awards ceremony, firefighters, managers and personnel from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service collected long service and good conduct medals. The following have provided at least 20 years of valued and dedicated service: Group Manager Kerry Blair joined Rewley Road Fire Station as a wholetime firefighter before being promoted to manage Rewley Road, Banbury and Bicester Fire Stations Station Manager Gary Coupar joined Rewley Road Fire Station as a wholetime firefighter before moving up the ranks to where he is currently the manager of Thame Fire Station Watch Manager Gary Walker from Rewley Road Fire Station, begun his career as Acting Leading Firefighter at Slade. He also serves his home community of Wallingford as a retained officer Watch Manager James Davies first started at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1990 as a wholetime firefighter. He transferred to Oxfordshire in 2000 before being promoted at Banbury. He will take up a new position as Station Manager in December Firefighter David Smith has been a wholetime firefighter at Abingdon Fire Station since 1990 Firefighter Julian Bradwell joined Rewley Road Fire Station as a wholetime firefighter before moving to Abingdon Fire Station where he is also Abingdon Station’s Fire Brigades Union Representative Firefighter Robert Prior has been a wholetime firefighter at Rewley Road Fire Station since 1990 Firefighter Allan Shepherd joined Banbury Fire Station as a wholetime firefighter in 1990. He runs the cadet unit and is responsible for winning the Banbury in Bloom competition for several years running Firefighter Kevin Dawson has been a retained firefighter at Rewley Road Fire Station since 1989 Firefighter Mark Stone joined Faringdon as a retained firefighter offering night and weekend cover Firefighter Stephen Patterson joined Eynsham Fire Station as a retained firefighter offering day, weekend and evening cover Sam Hitchcock joined Oxfordshire County Council’s youth training scheme in 1990. She moved to the Fire and Rescue service in 1992 and is now a Service Delivery Admin Assistant at Kidlington Fire Station.

Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Wayne and Will have shown the utmost courage and undoubtedly helped to save Helen’s life. Both Wayne and Will took actions which go beyond what I would expect anyone to take. I am also incredibly proud of our firefighters, managers and personnel for receiving their long service and good conduct medals. It really shows the quality and dedication of our staff which is essential in providing a valuable service for the people living in Oxfordshire.”

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House of Commons

Early Day Motions and Petitions

EDM 927 – Fire Brigades Union Industrial Action (updated)

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Early Day Motion

Summary

The following EDM was tabled on 1 November 2010.

Contents

EDM Tabled
927 FIRE BRIGADES UNION INDUSTRIAL ACTION 1:11:10
Signed by 3 MPs

Bob Blackman
Peter Bottomley
* 2

That this House expresses admiration for the courage and bravery of firefighters across the country who place their lives at risk to safeguard people and buildings, but expresses disappointment and concern that the London region Fire Brigades Union has announced the intention to carry out a 47 hour strike starting at 10 am on 5 November 2010; regrets that, when Londoners are trying to enjoy celebrations of both Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali, the Fire Brigades Union will be working actively to maximise the risk to them; and urges the Fire Brigades Union to take part in the negotiations on 5 November 2010 through the recognised national negotiating body, offered by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority management side, instead of striking.

Joseph Johnson

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Political Party Press Releases

John McDonnell – Parliamentary support for RMT and TSSA industrial action on the Tube

Wed, 3 November 2010 | Individual Politician Press Release

Contents

Growing Support for Tube Strike among MPs and sister unions

The 9 unions of the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group came together today to express solidarity and support for the RMT and TSSA members in their dispute with London Underground. At the same time, there were indications at Westminster of growing support for the Tube unions amongst MPs. John McDonnell, Parliamentary Convenor of the TUCG and RMT Parliamentary Group, will be tabling an Early Day Motion today in the House of Commons congratulating the unions on their principled stand in defence of public safety, services and jobs.

Commenting on the strike, MP for Leyton & Wanstead, John Cryer said:

“RMT and TSSA members have been forced to take this action by London Underground’s shocking decision to axe up to 2,000 jobs on the Tube. Despite the Mayor’s promises to the contrary, passenger safety will be jeopardised by these massive cuts which go far deeper than the unions or the public should ever accept.”

Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, said:

“By slashing thousands of jobs on the Tube, Transport for London will return the Tube to the 1980s when passenger numbers and safety standards were in decline. RMT and TSSA members should be thanked for taking this responsible strike action, and fellow Londoners should also demand Mayor Johnson get off his high horse and meet the unions to broker a settlement.”

John McDonnell MP for Hayes & Harlington and Convenor of the TUCG and RMT Parliamentary Group, said:

“The decision to break safety regulations and leave stations on the Northern Line unlocked overnight is extremely irresponsible and undermines the security of the travelling public. Despite the spin from TfL the strike was solid and with 2,000 jobs at risk members of RMT and TSSA are clearly willing to take further action. TfL needs to get back round the negotiating table and settle this dispute.”

- Ends-

-Notes to Editors

- The Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG) was established in 2008.

- It brings together nine national unions (BFAWU, FBU, NAPO, NUJ, PCS, POA, RMT, UCU and URTU) to co-ordinate campaigning activities both inside Parliament and beyond.

- The 9 unions represent over 700,000 trade union members – one in ten of all trade unionists

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Non-governmental and International Organisation Press Releases

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) – STUC Women’s Conference declare support for London Firefighters

Wed, 3 November 2010 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

Contents

STUC Women’s Conference declare support for London Firefighters

The 2010 Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Women’s Conference, held 1-2 November 2010 in the Concert Hall, Perth has carried an emergency motion moved by Denise Christie of the FBU condemning the sacking of firefighters and expressing support for the industrial action.

“Firefighters’ Dispute”

“That this Conference condemns the sacking of over 5,500 firefighters, many of whom are women, by London Fire Brigade, and supports the industrial action taken by our sisters and brothers in the Fire Brigades Union.

“New family unfriendly shifts are being imposed. These shifts have a huge impact on the recruitment and retention of women firefighters and, if successful, will make it easier for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services to implement such shifts, which will have a negative impact on women firefighters in Scotland.

“Therefore, Conference calls upon the STUC Women’s Committee and the STUC General Council to send a message of solidarity and support to our sisters and brothers in London. Conference also condemns the action of London Fire Brigade in the sacking of 5,500 firefighters.”

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Trade Union Coordinating Group – Press notice- Support for NUJ and FBU industrial action grows

Thu, 4 November 2010 | Campaign Organisation Press Release

Contents

Support for NUJ and FBU industrial action grows amongst MPs and other unions

TUCG Joint Statement:

“The unions of the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group ( BFAWU, NAPO, POA, PCS, RMT, UCU, URTU) send their full support and solidarity to FBU members in the London Fire Service and NUJ members in the BBC who have been left with no alternative than to take industrial action this weekend to defend their members.

“The TUCG calls on London Fire Service bosses to withdraw the unreasonable sacking notices issued to firefighters and commence meaningful negotiations with the FBU. Their approach to industrial relations leaves much to be desired; management should never be allowed to use bullying tactics to cow their workforce into accepting fundamental changes to terms and conditions without negotiation.

“The TUCG will always stand shoulder to shoulder with workers fighting for fairness and justice at work.

“The BBC are determined to forge ahead with dismantling the staff pension scheme and force NUJ members to work longer for less despite employees repeatedly rejecting BBC proposals as unfair and unjustified.

“The TUCG supports the right of every worker to live in dignity in retirement and receive a fair return for their work. If BBC employees are robbed of the benefits they were promised, there is no saying who will be next as bosses in other sectors seek to pillage employee pension schemes to make savings. The TUCG commends NUJ members for taking a stand against this brutal attack on their pensions.

“In this coming period, the movement will need to stand resolutely with our brothers and sisters in struggle as the battleground moves from union to union. The TUCG will be doing everything in its power to maximise unity within the movement and to deliver support where it is most needed. Today that is with the FBU and NUJ.”

John McDonnell, Secretary of NUJ and FBU Parliamentary Groups and TUCG Convenor said:

“The Fire Authority is picking a fight with firefighters and putting Londoners at risk. All trade unionists and members of the community should back the FBU in its attempt to secure a just negotiated settlement.”

“The BBC pension scheme was set up to ensure a decent pension for our people in retirement. Cutting the pension is just the same as slashing people’s wages. Undermining the BBC pension scheme is just another part of making ordinary people pay for the economic crisis brought on by the bankers’ greed. The message from this picket line is straightforward “We are not paying for your crisis.” Solidarity.”

Kate Hoey, Chair of FBU Parliamentary Group said:

“No trade unionist should have to negotiate with the threat of the sack hanging over them. The FBU have the support of Londoners and I call on the Fire Commissioner to lift the threat of sacking so that proper negotiations can resolve this dispute quickly.”

Austin Mitchell, Chair of NUJ Parliamentary Group said:

“When 70% of NUJ members vote to reject the offer it is clear that management have to get back round the table with the trade unions and come to a new deal.”

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TV and Radio

Newsnight – FBU’s Wrack quizzed over cancellation of Bonfire Night strikes

Fri, 5 November 2010 | DeHavilland Report – TV and Radio

Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has called off its Bonfire Night strike planned by members in London, which was part of a series of industrial actions called in response to enforced contract renegotiations for fire fighters.

Matt Wrack, General Secretary, Fire Brigades Union, told Newsnight, “We’ve found a mechanism to resolve the dispute, hopefully. There has been movement from the employer over the past week … (and) there’s been movement today.

“The movement today is around the threat to dismiss our members, which was the key factor in why we balloted for strike action in London. There is an agreement today that that will not be implemented and that our members will be allowed to discuss and consult on the proposals which will emerge from this process.”

On whether the union is now willing to attend a Resolution Advisory Panel (RAP) he said, “We have never said we wouldn’t go … the RAP process comes in at the end of discussion but those discussions haven’t ended. In fact, (due to) the movement by the employer over the past few days … our members have determined that that is appropriate to now go to RAP.”

On public safety had the strike gone ahead Mr Wrack said, “We were assured by Brian Coleman, the Chair of the Fire Authority and Boris Johnson, the Mayor, that they had contingency plans which would keep the public safe.”

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Fire Services

House of Commons

House of Commons Questions

Gale, R – Regional Fire and Emergency Response Programme (Costs)

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the regional fire and emergency response programme. [20423]

Robert Neill: The current estimated cost of the FiReControl project is £423 million, initiated by the last Government.

The FiReControl project is over-budget and behind schedule. The new Government are committed to ensuring value for money for the taxpayer improving resilience and stopping the forced regionalisation of the fire service.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Gale, R – Regional Fire and Emergency Response Programme (Commissioning)

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent estimate he has made of (a) the likely date of commissioning of the new regional fire and emergency response centres and (b) the cost to the public purse of the construction programme for these centres. [20424]

Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and Local Government have activated a milestone in its contract with the main contractor EADS for the completed IT system to be delivered in the first three control centres by mid-2011. The first fire and rescue services would switch over their control room operations some time after this, when they had completed preparations to their satisfaction, including the final test of the system, training and data input.

The control centres were procured through a private developer scheme, so the total costs of the land, construction, fit-out and plant are paid through lease payments over a 20 or 25 year period.

As with all major Government projects FiReControl is being reviewed to ensure value-for-money for the taxpayer. We have been clear that EADS (now branded as Cassidian) must deliver to time, cost and quality. This Government are not prepared to pour any more taxpayers’ money into funding their further delays, nor can they cut any corners in the quality of the system they deliver.

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Gale, R – Regional Fire and Emergency Response Programme (Termination)

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the additional (a) costs of and (b) savings from an immediate termination of the regional fire and emergency response centre programme. [20425]

Robert Neill: We are currently working with the FiReControl project contractor EADS to ensure they deliver the main IT system to time, cost and quality.

If it were to become necessary to terminate the project, the only contracts to which significant cancellation charges could apply would be those awarded to EADS for the integrated system and Babcock for facilities management of the control centre buildings. These cancellation charges could vary significantly depending on the circumstances in which the contracts were cancelled. Specific arrangements set out in these contracts cannot be disclosed due to commercial confidentiality. Savings could also accrue from the cancellation of these contracts as well as from the cessation of national team staffing costs and local implementation costs paid to fire and rescue authorities which are currently funded for this work under New Burdens principles.

Savings generated would be offset by ongoing liabilities for the control centre buildings. If the project were cancelled the Department would seek to identify suitable third parties to make use of the accommodation and contribute to costs.

As with all major Government projects FiReControl is being reviewed to ensure value-for-money for the taxpayer. We have been clear that EADS (now branded as Cassidian) must deliver to time, cost and quality. This Government are not prepared to pour any more taxpayers’ money into funding their further delays, nor can they cut any corners in the quality of the system they deliver.

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Cunningham, A – Fire Services (North East)

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the timetable is for the establishment of the regional control centre for the fire service for the North East. [21114]

Robert Neill: The control centre in the north-east, at Durham, is fully constructed and fitted out. The Department for Communities and Local Government has activated a key milestone in its contract with the main FiReControl contractor EADS (now branded Cassidian) requiring them to deliver the completed IT system in three control centres by mid-2011. The north-east control centre is one of these. The first Fire and Rescue Services would switch over after this, when they had completed their preparations, including data input, training and the final assurance testing test.

The FiReControl project, initiated by the last Government, is over-budget and behind schedule. As with all major Government projects it is being reviewed to ensure value for money for the taxpayers. We have been clear that EADS must deliver to time, cost and quality. The new Government are committed to ensuring value for money for the taxpayer, improving resilience and stopping the forced regionalisation of the fire service.

Click here to view the source of this item online.
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Mann, J – Fire Services (Nottinghamshire)

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many (a) full-time and (b) retained firefighters there are in each fire station in (i) Bassetlaw and (ii) Nottinghamshire. [20892]

Robert Neill: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

The latest levels of staffing of wholetime and retained firefighters are collected for each Fire and Rescue Authority. Figures for Nottinghamshire and England are provided in the following table.

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Fitzpatrick – Fire Service Strikes

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with the Mayor of London on strike action by London fire crews; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of contingency arrangements in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement. [20162]

Robert Neill: As I indicated in my statement to the House on the 26 October, I am in regular contact with the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. They have reassured me that their contingency arrangements worked during the eight hour strike on the 23 October and will work for any future strikes.

My Department is also working to ensure that in the event of a major incident, the National Co-ordination and Advisory Framework arrangements, overseen by the chief fire and rescue adviser, will ensure the deployment of any necessary specialist equipment.

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Brooke, A – Sky Lanterns

Mon, 1 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on how many occasions fire and rescue services have been alerted to incidents involving sky lanterns in each of the last three years. [21008]

Robert Neill: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

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McDonnell, J – Fire Services

Tue, 2 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to publish the report of his Department’s strategic review of the Fire and Rescue Service. [21284]

Robert Neill: The Fire Futures strategic review of the Fire and Rescue Service is a sector led project on fire and rescue provision in England.

The report will be presented to me by the sector in the autumn and a copy blushed on the departmental website shortly after. A copy will also be made available for the Library of the House.

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Cunningham, A – Fire Services (North East)

Tue, 2 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he expects to make a decision on proposals to develop or redevelop 17 community fire stations and other facilities submitted by fire authorities in the North East under the private finance initiative. [21115]

Robert Neill: The Department’s position on its PFI projects in procurement-including the North East fire authorities project-will be considered and confirmed as quickly as possible following the Spending Review 2010. We would expect to reach decisions by December.

As set out in the Spending Review framework, published on 8 June 2010, we will evaluate spending programmes against tough criteria on ensuring value for money. We will also assess projects on a case-by-case basis for value for money and against other departmental priorities.

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Patel – Fire Services (Industrial Disputes)

Thu, 4 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent assessment he has made of the preparedness of local fire authorities and the readiness of contingency plans in the event of industrial action. [18881]

Robert Neill: It is vitally important that fire and rescue authorities have robust business continuity plans in place to deal with serious disruptive events. This is not only their statutory duty, but what their communities will expect. The current strike action in London highlights the need to have comprehensive plans in place.

The Government have taken a more proactive stance in assessing the effectiveness of business continuity arrangements in Fire and Rescue Authorities. A recent Audit Commission report concluded that these were satisfactory. We will be working with the sector to reassess the position and I have asked the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser to monitor and report in the new year.

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Pritchard – Fire Services (West Midlands)

Thu, 4 November 2010 | House of Commons – Written Answer

Contents

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether (a) he and (b) officials in his Department have had meetings with public affairs companies working on behalf of West Midlands Fire Authority since his appointment. [21696]

Robert Neill: Neither Ministers, nor officials in the Department of Communities and Local Government have had any meetings with public affairs companies working on behalf of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authorities. Ministers and officials meet with MPs, councillors and Fire Authority officials on a range of matters from time to time. As the Secretary of State made clear in his press notice of 5 August, local authorities should not feel the need to waste taxpayers’ money on professional public affairs companies to make representations to Government.

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Regions

Northern Ireland Assembly

Northern Ireland Executive – Attacks on firefighters must end – McGimpsey

Tue, 2 November 2010 | Northern Ireland Executive Press Release

Contents

02 November 2010

Attacks on firefighters must end – McGimpsey

Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey said today that attacks on emergency workers are putting lives in danger.
Over the last year, there were a total of 33 attacks on firefighters and six were injured. In addition, just under £16,000 was spent repairing vehicles and equipment as a result of attacks.

The Minister said: “Attacks on firefighters and other emergency and healthcare workers are all too common and are completely unacceptable. Every day, emergency workers put their lives on the line to protect our communities. The people who carry out these cowardly attacks should realise that their actions carry the very real risk that lives could be lost as a result. Vital emergency services can be disrupted.

“I would ask the perpetrators of this violence to think about the consequences of their actions before engaging in this criminal behaviour. They may one day need the help of those emergency services themselves.

“I am encouraged that the number of attacks on firefighters has fallen over the last few years. However, they are still too high. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that staff in the emergency services should be able to go about their vital work without fear of being assaulted. I would appeal to parents of young people in particular to help their children understand the issues involved.”

Notes to editors:
1. During the period 1 October 2009 – 20 October 2010 there were 33 attacks on members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS). Six firefighters were injured as a result of these attacks.

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