Guernsey Fire and Rescue celebrates its centenary
THE Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service today celebrates the 100th anniversary of its formal foundation, when the States took it over from the parish of St Peter Port.
This change was made because the cost of maintaining the service efficiently had become too great a burden for the parish alone.
The centenary will be marked with a number of events over the next 12 months, with a final charity gala dinner concluding the celebrations next June.
These events will include the blessing of a new standard, an open day at the Town Arsenal Fire Station, and several commemorative sporting events.
‘I hope much of our local community will be able to get involved in our anniversary celebrations, not only to look back at what we have achieved as an organisation but also to look forward at what we will continue to do for many years to come,’ said chief fire officer Jon Le Page.
The earliest record of any organised fire-fighting body in the island dates back to 1773, with teams working for insurance companies.
Records of the St Peter Port Constables Office show that there were three fire stations in the parish in 1834.
‘100 years ago, Guernsey’s Fire Service had one vehicle and operated out of a small fire station on Upland Road,’ said Mr Le Page.
‘In 1935, the team moved its base to the Town Arsenal, where we have now been for more than 80 years, to accommodate a second vehicle.
‘As an organisation, we have only grown since then. We have evolved to meet the island’s needs and to ensure we are always ready to help in the case of an emergency.’
The open day at the Arsenal is scheduled for 3 September.
All proceeds raised through the fundraising elements of the centenary events will be donated equally to four local charities – the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, Les Bourgs Hospice, MS Guernsey and Guernsey Mind.
