As the word reflects on 9/11, we honor the 343 brave firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice that day. Their courage, selflessness, and dedication serve as a powerful reminder of the risks first responders face daily. The events of 9/11 highlighted the unwavering commitment of the fire service to protect lives, even in the face of unimaginable danger. As we remember those we lost, we also reaffirm our pledge to carry forward their legacy – continuing to train, respond, and serve with the same bravery and resilience that defined the heroes of that day.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Salvation Army Renew Welfare Partnership
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is proud to announce the renewal of its welfare partnership with The Salvation Army.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Marley Park Community Fire Station representatives from both organisations. This agreement cements an invaluable relationship that has been in place for the past four years.
The memorandum ensures that the welfare of firefighters and crews, who are working on the ground at incidents, is in safe hands, as The Salvation Army helps to provide essential support in the form of on-site food and drink supplies.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This vital renewed relationship with The Salvation Army is one part of the Service’s welfare package.
“The Salvation Army is a superb partner that provides essential and flexible welfare provisions at operational incidents for our operational crews. Supplies include much-needed food-on-the-ground and hydration facilities during some quite challenging situations.
“Their dedication and devotion to the community cause highly complements our diverse workforce.”
The emergencies can vary from prolonged incidents like wildfires through to relatively short-term events in the community. But those welfare facilities will be available for all crews with the short-term duration being up to eight hours or less.
Adrian Clee, Territorial Emergency Response Officer at The Salvation Army, said: “We think this is a real worthwhile investment as we look to work alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service during what can be quite traumatic circumstances.
“We signed our first agreement just before COVID and have invested a lot of time and resources into purchasing the right vehicle to support Tyne and Wear crews when they need us the most.
“Our catering vehicle will be dispatched to major and prolonged incidents across the region with our volunteers giving out welcomed food and drink, and they can even provide support and a listening ear if needed.”
The catering vehicle based in Tyne and Wear is one of twenty-seven similar vehicles that The Salvation Army has up and down the country to support several other blue light organisations.
Phil Sowerby, Head of Operations at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When The Salvation Army turns up to any of our major incidents, all of the firefighters know just how important they are, as crews are always grateful to the volunteers who serve out food and hot drinks.
“The volunteers are welcome sight, especially if the firefighters have been working hard and are looking for that little bit of respite after experiencing some difficult circumstances. The food and drink provide sustenance to keep them going throughout the incident.
“Our welfare provision is an essential element within our national operational guidance, and here in Tyne and Wear we take that very seriously. We have just invested to extensively upgrade our welfare provision for areas like sanitation and washing facilities where contaminants are involved: and the work that we are doing with The Salvation Army will help to harmonise that welfare provision.”
Over the coming weeks TWFRS officers will be receiving awareness relating to the new welfare unit and the offering being provided by The Salvation Army. This will ensure the facilities are available to fire fighters at operational incidents, training events and exercises.
For further information about the work of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, please visit our website www.twfire.gov.uk or social media platforms.
FEU Statement on Violence against First Responders
The Federation of EUropean Fire Officers (FEU), a collective voice representing the interests of Fire
Officers across Europe, recently gathered at the FEU Council meeting in Birmingham, UK, to
address the escalating issue of violence and aggression against first responders.
The Federation stresses the importance of conveying a clear message that aggressive behaviour
towards aid workers is never acceptable under any circumstances.
The FEU strongly condemns the incidents of violence directed towards those on the front lines of
emergency response and expresses deep concern for the safety and well-being of our dedicated first
responders. There is an urgent need for coordinated efforts at both the national and European levels
to combat this growing threat and protect those who risk their lives to safeguard our communities.
First responders play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and providing timely assistance during
emergencies. However, it is disheartening to witness an alarming rise in violence targeting these
dedicated professionals. Such incidents not only jeopardize the safety of first responders but also
impede their ability to carry out their life-saving duties effectively.
The FEU calls upon European governments, law enforcement agencies, and the public to recognize
the severity of this issue and take immediate and decisive action to reduce violence and
mistreatment of first responders. We urge authorities to:
- Provide comprehensive training and resources to enhance the safety and security of first
responders in the line of duty. - Assist first responding agencies to invest in and use protective technology such as body
cameras and mobile cameras - Launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of
respecting and supporting first responders. - It is our collective responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for those who dedicate their
lives to protecting others. The Federation of European Fire Officers remains committed to working
collaboratively with stakeholders to address the root causes of violence against first responders and
to promote a safer and more secure environment for all.
Let us give them the respect they deserve!
For further inquiries, please contact the FEU Secretary, Mrs Anna Andersson Carlin at
secretary@f-e-u.org
Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer Retires
Cleveland Fire Brigade recently said goodbye to its longstanding Chief Fire Officer, Ian Hayton, after 49 years of dedicated service.
Since joining the Brigade in 1975, when it was known as Cleveland County Fire Brigade, Ian has served his entire career in Cleveland where he has been committed to building safer and stronger communities. Over the years Ian brought his expertise to strategic and operational Incident Command, risk management, fire safety, HR, health & safety, performance management, and much more.
Ian, who has served as Chief Fire Officer since 2009, reflected on his career, saying: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve the people and communities of Cleveland Fire Brigade for the past 49 years. The sense of pride I have felt throughout this journey is immense. The Brigade is an exceptional and professional organisation, with a dedicated team committed to safeguarding the people of Teesside. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me, both personally and professionally throughout my career.”
After a special ceremony which included a personalised cake, banners and bunting, the Chair of Cleveland Fire Authority, Councillor David Coupe said: “On behalf of the Fire Authority I would like to wish Ian a long and healthy retirement and thank him for the immeasurable value he has given to our communities throughout his service with the Brigade. It has been a pleasure working alongside Ian and his knowledge, passion and professionalism has always been at the heart of everything he does.”
Alongside his role as CFO, Ian is a Graduate member of the Institution of Fire Engineers and was also the UK National Fire Chief’s Council Chair for the Health and Wellbeing Committee, supporting services, firefighters, and service personnel across the nation in the promotion, prevention, support, and treatment of physical and mental health.
On behalf of everyone at Cleveland Fire Brigade, we would like to say a huge thank you to Ian for his decades of dedicated service to the Brigade. Ian’s commitment has made an enormous difference to not only the Brigade but the communities we proudly serve and his leadership and presence will be deeply missed by all of us.
Peter Rickard has been appointed the new Chief Fire Officer and will continue to guide the Brigade on its journey to providing the best prevention, protection, and emergency response for the communities of Cleveland Fire Brigade.
Matthew Jones Appointed as Head of Sales for Advanced in the UK and Ireland
Life safety solutions manufacturer Advanced has appointed Matthew Jones as Head of Sales for UK and Ireland as it continues to accelerate growth across its fire protection and emergency lighting ranges in the region.
Jones brings to the role extensive knowledge of Advanced’s products and customer base, having spent the last four years as the company’s Emergency Lighting Business Manager.
Prior to this, he managed a large part of the fire detection product portfolio for fellow Halma company, Apollo.
Since joining Advanced in 2019, Jones has headed up its emergency lighting function, successfully delivering a strategy that has driven sales and revenue growth for the department and forming close links with new and existing customers.
Strengthening Customer Relationships and Enhancing Collaborative Partnerships
In this newly created role, Jones will build on these relationships as the company seeks to work more collaboratively with its partners in the UK and Ireland.
Jones, who is also studying part-time for an MBA at the University of Portsmouth, said: “During my time working at Advanced I have seen first-hand the quality, breadth, and reputation of our life safety solutions – from fire protection to emergency lighting and evacuation alert systems – so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase them on a wider scale.
!I look forward to working closely with customers across the UK and Ireland to show them what else we can do and how we can greater support their businesses.”
Advanced Sales Director, Mike Cottam, said: “The UK and Ireland region continues to be a key area of focus for us, and we have been very successful in building our business in the region to date. T
“he creation of this role represents both our continued investment in this market and our commitment to adapt to customer needs, allowing us to provide an even better service.
“Matthew’s appointment means our customers will continue to benefit from the expertise of our regional sales team, while also enjoying the additional advantages that come with a closer, more collaborative partnership.”
Advanced’s Global Impact: Protecting Prestigious Properties with Life Safety Solutions
Advanced equipment protects prestigious properties and their occupants around the World.
From skyline-dominating landmarks, including The Shard and 22 Bishopsgate in London, and iconic international treasures such as Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, to vibrant transport hubs like the London Underground and Abu Dhabi Airport.
As a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent life safety solutions, Advanced is committed to creating a safer future.
A reputation for performance, quality and ease of use see Advanced products specified globally, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks.
The Advanced product portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction solutions as well as emergency lighting and evacuation alert systems.
Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.
NFCC appoints People Programme Executive
Rob MacDougall, Director of Community Safety and Chief Fire Officer at Oxfordshire County Council, has been appointed National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) People Programme Executive following the departure of Ann Millington, Chief Executive for Kent Fire and Rescue Service and former NFCC People Programme Executive, after 11 years in post.
Having joined the sector in 1998, Rob has enjoyed a wide and varied career in Oxfordshire, and even took a short secondment with the Ghana National Fire Service, before becoming Director of Community Safety and Chief Fire Officer at Oxfordshire in 2019.
MacDougall continues to support NFCC work, he is the Category sponsor for ICT for the Strategic Procurement Hub, chairs the End Point Assessment Partnership between Cornwall FRS and NFCC, and is the NFCC representative on the Fire Aid Steering Group. He also sits as an advisor on the NJC Advisory Forum.
His new venture as People Programme Executive will see him defining the next People Strategy, providing a direction of travel for the sector over the next few years.
Commenting on his appointment MacDougall said: “I am thrilled to be stepping into the role as NFCC People Programme Executive. I have admired the excellent products landing in services under Ann’s guidance and look to steer the programme on this continuous improvement journey.
“The People Programme team should be incredibly proud of their achievements to date, made possible by the strong collaborations with fire and rescue services.
“This is an interesting time for our people as we navigate through the cost-of-living crisis and the impact that may have on our communities and colleagues.
“Now more than ever, collaboration is vital to ensuring that the programme delivers fit-for-purpose products in response to what the sector needs now and in the future.
“I look forward to working with the programme team and many fire and rescue service colleagues to shape what’s coming next.”