Control room goes live on Emergency Services Day
INSTAGRAM and Twitter users were given an insight into the work of the emergency services yesterday.
To mark 2020’s Emergency Services Day, the Bailiwick Law Enforcement Instagram and Guernsey Police Twitter feeds broadcast from the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre for several hours.
The aim was to give people a snapshot of what the services undertake during a typical day.
999 Day, as it is also known, started in the UK in 2017 as a way of celebrating all the emergency services.
The Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, said he was delighted that the island was marking the occasion.
‘Together, the men and women of all our emergency services make a vitally important contribution to our quality of life here in the islands,’ he said.
‘Both full-time staff and volunteers, and their families, make considerable personal sacrifices so that the rest of us can live and work in a safe and secure environment. It’s all too easy to forget that, but today is a good opportunity to let them know how much we appreciate what they do.’
Head of BLE Ruari Hardy said the day gave an opportunity to highlight the professional way in which all the services work together to look after the Bailiwick’s communities.
‘I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those working across our public services for all they do, although we live in a small community the scope of work undertaken by 999 services is impressive,’ he said.
‘This includes those who work behind the scenes making sure front line staff have the support, equipment and technology they need to undertake their work. This is truly a team effort.’
Chief fire officer Jon Le Page paid tribute to his staff: ‘999 Day is a fantastic initiative which allows us to thank those who make sure that 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, should you need help, they are there to provide it,’ he said.
‘This year has seen us cope with unique challenges, with fire crews split over two sites in order to keep the frontline service operational. Firefighters have assisted Guernsey Border Agency with visiting and making calls to those who are self-isolating to protect our community from Covid-19.
Mark Mapp, chief ambulance officer at the St John Emergency Ambulance Service, thanked his team for their ongoing commitment and professionalism: ‘This year has seen our ambulance clinicians working under some challenging circumstances, but the dedication of everyone involved deserves credit.’
