Scottish fire service and Neighbourhood Watch refresh safety partnership

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Scottish fire service expands partnership with Neighbourhood Watch

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is formalising a national prevention strategy through a renewed collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch Scotland (NWS).

This refreshed approach builds on existing local activity and reflects a renewed focus on collaboration at a national level.

A key early step in the partnership is the co-location of NWS staff within the SFRS East Asset Resource Centre at Newbridge.

Working side by side supports closer day-to-day collaboration and joint planning.

The partnership brings together the fire safety expertise of the service with established community-led networks.

Both organisations aim to make safety advice clearer and easier for people to act on.

National expansion of the alert system

The SFRS is now adopting a fully national approach to using the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alert system to share fire safety messages directly with residents.

The SFRS Prevention Directorate leads this platform which allows messages to be targeted by location, age and housing type.

Cathy Barlow, Deputy Head of Prevention for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “This refreshed partnership allows us to build on what has worked well locally and take a more consistent national approach to prevention.

“Co-locating with Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and expanding the use of the Alert system helps us reach communities more effectively with practical fire safety advice.”

Strengthening community connections

Richard Whetton, Head of Governance, Strategy and Performance at SFRS, supports the partnership as a trustee on the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Board.

Lesley Clark, Director for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland said: “We’ve worked alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for many years, and this renewed focus strengthens that relationship.

“By working more closely and supporting a national approach, we can help communities across Scotland feel informed, supported, and better connected on safety issues which aligns with our vision of Safer Neighbourhoods Stronger communities.”

Both organisations will continue to build on this partnership to improve outcomes for communities across Scotland.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Services’ dual acts of kindness

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Fife woman’s marathon journey in memory of her mother and a dream day for a young firefighter enthusiast

Tribute and remembrance through a marathon journey

Lisa Foster, aged 46, from Stoke-on-Trent, undertook an extraordinary tribute to her late mother by walking 317 miles to Kirkcaldy Community Fire Station in Fife.

This marathon journey, which started on 30 January 2024 and concluded on 13 February, marked each year since her mother’s passing with one marathon.

Lisa’s mother, Jean Bruce, a former occupational health nurse for Fife’s legacy fire and rescue service, died from pancreatic cancer in February 2012 at the age of 55.

Lisa’s emotional journey ended where a tree is planted in memory of her mother at the fire station, completing 12 ultra marathons in 13 days.

“The journey across the Forth Road Bridge was emotional as my mum and I would power walk across the bridge every night – she was with me every step of the way during this challenge,” Lisa said.

Supported by her family and friends, Lisa aimed to raise £3000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK in this poignant tribute.

Firefighters fulfil a young boy’s dream

In another heartwarming event, firefighters at Livingston Community Fire Station turned 10-year-old Ethan Rowan’s dream into reality by inviting him to join their crew for a day.

Ethan, who has Down’s Syndrome and attends Ogilvie School Campus, spent a memorable day exploring a fire appliance, receiving a station tour, and participating in a simulated animal rescue.

The day, filled with firefighter-themed gifts and a personalised certificate, left Ethan and his family overjoyed.

Ethan’s father, Steven, shared their excitement: “Ethan is absolutely buzzing; we’re all delighted.”

Crew Commander Theresa Penrice, who organised the visit, reflected on the significance of this gesture: “This was an opportunity for us to give something back, and it was a really nice experience for all of us.”

IFSJ Comment

These stories from the Scottish Fire and Rescue service highlight the profound connection between the community and its firefighters, demonstrating acts of kindness that extend beyond their call of duty.

Lisa Foster’s marathon journey in memory of her mother and the fulfilment of Ethan Rowan’s dream to be a firefighter for a day are testament to the spirit of community and support that the Scottish Fire and Rescue service fosters.

Such initiatives honour individual stories of courage and dreams, strengthening the bonds between the fire service and the communities they serve.

It showcases the service’s commitment to going above and beyond, offering solace and joy to those touched by their efforts.

These acts of kindness serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion, support, and the impact of giving back to the community, reinforcing the fire service’s role not just in safety but in heartening community spirit.

UK fire service pays tribute to Barry Martin

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The UK fire service has paid tribute following the death of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighter Barry Martin who lost his life on Friday following injuries he sustained at a serious and complex fire in Edinburgh last week.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart said: “It is with profound sadness that I confirm, on behalf of his family, that Barry Martin has passed away this afternoon following the serious injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh. Barry, who was being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, had been in a critical condition since Monday’s fire.

“I speak for the entire Service when I say that we are all devastated by the loss of Barry and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues at this deeply distressing time.

“Both Barry’s family and the Service have been overwhelmed with the messages of support we have received and we thank everyone for the time they have taken to share these.

“Barry’s family would also like to thank all the medical staff who have cared for him.

“I would now ask that we all allow Barry’s family, friends and colleagues to grieve in private.”

The National Fire Chiefs Council expressed its deepest sympathy and sadness. NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham, said: “I am devastated to hear the news that Barry passed away earlier today. It goes without saying that my thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said:  “Everyone in the Scottish and UK Fire and Rescue Service will be devastated by today’s events. Our hearts go out to Barry’s family, colleagues and friends, and to all those who mourn his loss.

“Barry was a dedicated firefighter and a well-loved member of the firefighting community. We are very proud that he was a member of our union. Like so many firefighters, he put himself at risk to save the lives of others.

“In due course, we will investigate the events that led to his death. Today, we are grieving for a colleague and a friend.”

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “The thoughts of everyone at London Fire Brigade are with Barry’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. His death will be deeply felt across the UK fire service and to every firefighter family.

“I have spoken with Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart and offered any support they may need. As a mark of respect flags will be flown at half-mast across London Fire Brigade premises for 24 hours.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recruits in the north

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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for wholetime firefighters in the north of Scotland. Firefighter recruitment across Scotland recently moved to a year-round approach and based on local area needs.

Applicants are advised that they should only apply for the area in which they want to work. Applicants for the wholetime role must be aged 18 years old or over, meet the required medical and physical fitness standards and be able to demonstrate valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving in pressurised situations. SFRS said only first applications will be taken forwards so applicants are asked not to submit multiple applications.

Successful applicants will undergo a three-month intensive trainee programme, during which they will learn how to tackle fires in homes and businesses, rescue casualties and render first aid, attend road traffic collisions, and work safely at heights.

They will also be expected to learn how to prevent fires and harm by identifying risks and working with partners to share practical safety advice with communities to ensure they stay safe.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Stephen Wood, who leads service delivery in the north of Scotland, said: “Our Firefighters sit at the heart of Scotland’s communities and work in a challenging yet extremely rewarding role.

“As well as responding to a whole range of emergencies that may include fires, road traffic collisions, flooding and other natural disasters, our firefighters have an equally important role within the area of community safety.

“I would encourage anyone considering this varied and rewarding career path to apply.

“The north of Scotland is also such a fantastic place to live and work and I would urge those who are interested to embrace this exciting opportunity.

“We’re looking for motivated, driven and dedicated individuals who want to make a positive impact in our communities.

“If you have the commitment, the fitness, the enthusiasm and the drive to work as part of a team to make communities safer and save lives, we want you to apply.”

Register for job alerts and apply for the role at: https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/emergency-services/scottish-fire-and-rescue-service/jobs

Firefighters in Scotland to carry life-saving naloxone

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Firefighters in Scotland will set up a network of volunteers to administer naloxone. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will administer the medicine, which is given as a nasal spray in the event of an opioid overdose to help save someone’s life.

SFRS staff will be given training in partnership with the Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) as part of a £90,000 project funded by the Scottish Government, joining the Scottish Ambulance Service and Police Scotland in recognising the role the medication can play in saving lives.

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister said: “SFRS staff regularly interact with the public during operational incidents, prevention and protection work and community engagement and it is reassuring to know that if they come across a situation involving an opioid overdose that volunteers will be able to administer naloxone while they wait for an ambulance to arrive.“Naloxone is one of a wide range of measures being used to address the public health emergency of drugs deaths, but it plays an important role and allows those administering the kits to connect people who use drugs and their families with appropriate local services.

“Of course, we want to help people long before they get to the point of a life-threatening overdose and we are working hard to increase the number of people in treatment backed by total funding of £250 million over five years.”

Stuart Stevens, assistant chief officer and SFRS director of service delivery said: “We welcome funding from the Scottish Government to provide life-saving medication for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We will fully support volunteers within SFRS to complete training to safely administer naloxone to help prevent avoidable drug deaths from overdoses. This project highlights our commitment to working with partners to improve the safety and wellbeing of the people of Scotland.”

Group Commander Paul Blackwood, pictured giving a demonstration of how the nasal spray works, took part in training from SDF a year ago and is encouraging colleagues to take up this opportunity. He decided to carry naloxone after a personal tragedy.

Paul said: “I grew up in Glasgow and I lost my best friend at the age of 19 from a drugs overdose. This traumatic experience has stayed with me and so it was important for me to volunteer to carry naloxone. I have the kit because I want to be in a position to save someone’s life.”

A naloxone information pack will be available to all SFRS staff. Firefighters who volunteer to undergo training to carry and deploy naloxone will be given guidance on how to identify the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to use the medication to reverse these effects.