An unbreakable bond

With November 11 fast approaching, many of us will take the time to reflect on the sacrifices made by many, especially those in service of others. 

As a member of Cumbria Fire and Rescue’s Armed Forces Network, I find Remembrance Sunday a focal point in the Armed Forces Calendar.  It allows the whole nation to come together, just for a few minutes, and to remember those who committed themselves to the service of others.

It will come as no surprise that the values and standards of the British Military resonate with the core ethos of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.  Courage; discipline; respect for others; integrity; loyalty and selfless commitment, are all required of the British Armed Forces, but these could easily describe us as firefighters.  There has always been a strong bond between the Fire Service and the Military, our drill as recruits follows a naval tradition, but it’s more than that.  It’s the shared sense of service, and of helping our fellow humans.

In the corridor at HQ there are two frames that look out at passers-by.  One is a framed certificate to Lieutenant H Pilkington of Penrith and District Fire Brigade in recognition of his 45 years service.   

He joined the Brigade in 1880 and sits in a photograph next to his framed certificate.  In the same picture are members of the Penrith and District Crew.  Some, not all, have medals pinned on their chests.  The medals worn by four of the crew are medals awarded during The Great War (World War I-1914-1918).  Fireman Sedgwick is even sporting a moustache fashionable at the time, but that would go on to become associated with one of the world’s most evil dictators.

Here is a clear link between the British Armed Forces and the Fire Service that dates back nearly 100 years, and I’m delighted to say, shows no sign of weakening.  Their military medals tell the story of their sacrifice and the events they saw.  In the same way the medals that firefighters proudly wear today tell the story of their commitment to helping others. 

The horrors that these soldiers/firefighters must have witnessed are sadly not consigned to history, with war again raging in Europe, and the Middle East suffering from savage violence again the world is not the safe and stable place we would hope it is. 

However, Remembrance Sunday is not just about soldiers from yesteryear, it is an opportunity to remember ALL those who have, or still do, serve their communities, Military or Fire and Rescue Service.