Emergency services honour fallen colleagues

EMERGENCY Services Day saw members of police, fire, ambulance and coastguard staff assemble to remember colleagues who had been killed or injured on the job.

With heads bowed, members of Guernsey’s emergency services remembered colleagues who have died or been injured on duty in a ceremony at the ambulance station in the Rohais to mark Emergency Services Day. (Pictures by Luke Le Prevost, 31387437)

Representatives of the island’s emergency services gathered at St John Ambulance headquarters yesterday for a short ceremony and a two-minute silence in remembrance.

‘999 Day is an opportunity to reflect on the work and dedication of Guernsey’s blue light services and to thank them for the work they do all year round,’ said Mark Mapp, chief ambulance officer.

Chief ambulance officer Mark Mapp, with head of Bailiwick law Enforcement Ruari Hardy, left, acknowledged the work of the island’s emergency services, which was followed by a two-minute silence to remember those colleagues who had been killed or injured on duty. (31387453)

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank our ambulance crews for the excellent standard of care and compassion they give to our community, often working in challenging circumstances,’

He also acknowledged the support of community first responders, volunteers and the staff at the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre, who he described as the ‘unsung heroes’ of the blue light services.

The day of remembrance and recognition normally takes place on 9 September, but was postponed this year due to the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

The Bailiwick’s emergency services have the support of the reigning monarch and governments across the UK.

Chief fire officer Jon Le Page welcomed the union with emergency services colleagues across the country to recognise their dedication to duty of both paid and voluntary staff.

‘They all have a common aim, which is to assist and protect members of our communities,’ he said.

The Emergency Services Day flag was raised. (31387463)

‘Those in my charge at the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service are no different and I am hugely grateful for the way in which they work collaboratively and tirelessly with staff from the other emergency services to make the response to calls for assistance from our community as effective as possible.’

Ruari Hardy, head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement, and harbour master Captain David Barker both also commended their colleagues across the blue light services, who put themselves forward to undertake critical work in aid of public service.