On Wednesday, 19 October, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) staff at Newsham Court, and at fire stations across the county, came together to show their support for Emergency Services Day, a national day held throughout the UK that pays tribute to the work of the emergency services.
Also referred to as ‘999 Day’, this annual event is usually celebrated on the 9 September each year and provides an opportunity for all those serving in the emergency services, support staff and members of the public, to show their appreciation for staff working in the emergency services.
This year’s event was postponed due to the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The day also allows RBFRS to promote career and volunteer opportunities across all of our emergency services, while highlighting the hard work carried out by service charities and raise awareness of the numerous campaigns involving emergency services.
Jim Powell, Area Manager Collaboration and Policy, led a two-minute silence at 9am at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in honour of those that have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
Commenting on the occasion, Jim Powell said: ‘Emergency Services Day marks an important day in our calendar when we reflect and remember all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone throughout the Service who took part in this year’s event.’
About 999 Day
- Over 7,500 members of the UK emergency services have been killed in the line of duty in the last 200 years.
- Six main branches of the emergency services are recognised on Emergency Services Day. These are: Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance, NHS, maritime (Coastguard and Lifeboats) and Search and Rescue (Mountain, Lowland, Mine and Cave).
- Emergency Services Day is supported by HM The King, HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, the Prime Minister and First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
- Provides an opportunity to educate the public on essential life-saving skills and how to use the emergency services responsibly.
