On-Call Firefighters praised for their commitment
The dedication and skill of Cumbria’s On-Call Firefighters is being celebrated at a series of appreciation events.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has resumed its On-Call Appreciation Events following the Christmas break, and this week’s successful gatherings in Lazonby and Aspatria gave the service the chance to recognise the outstanding work and commitment of the crews, and to thank their families and primary employers for the support they offer.
The events included a presentation from the Station Manager on the role of the On-Call fire service, before certificates were presented to the Firefighters, their families and their employers. Guests were then given the opportunity to tour the station and view demonstrations of the vehicles and equipment used.
Angela Opie, Group Manager at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and event organiser, said: “The events give us the opportunity to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation to the On-Call teams who are the backbone of our service.
“Their dedication to their communities is outstanding, and their availability levels to turn out to a wide variety of call-outs are exceptionally high; this could not be achieved without the unwavering support of their families and primary employers.”
Mike Johnson, Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, attended the Aspatria event and handed out certificates to the Firefighters.
Mr Johnson said: “Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s On-Call staff are incredibly dedicated to the service, and I’m really pleased that they are being recognised alongside the support of their families and employers.
“Being a Firefighter – Wholetime and On-call – can be a stressful job but it is also highly rewarding and without the On-Call staff we would not be able to deliver the service that we do.
“I’m really pleased that I was able to come along to Aspatria event last night to meet some of the On-Call staff and give them my thanks. I look forward to attending more in the future.”
Appreciation events are taking place at all 36 of Cumbria’s On-Call stations, continuing at Whitehaven on January 23 and Alston and Silloth on February 1.
For more information on becoming an On-Call Firefighter, visit www.cumbriafire.gov.uk/join-our-team/on-call-firefighters