"Guernsey should be proud of emergency services work"

Monday 09 September 2024

Guernsey’s emergency services held a two-minute silence to remember their colleagues who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

Representatives from Bailiwick Law Enforcement, the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, St John Ambulance Guernsey, the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre, Guernsey Coastguard, Airport Fire Service and other voluntary organisations such as Guernsey Civil Protection, RNLI Lifeboat and Channel Islands Air Search assembled at St Peter Port Harbour this morning for the ceremony.

Pictured: Town Church rector Penny Graysmith led the service.

9 September is designated as national Emergency Services Day, or 999 day, and is supported by HM The King and the UK Prime Minister.

It highlights the work of blue light and the other emergency services, the role they play, and promote career and volunteer opportunities.

Pictured: Some of those gathered this morning.

Guernsey Police Chief Officer Ruari Hardy said: “Guernsey’s emergency services are one of the cornerstones of the community we all live in. 

“Each person who commits to a career in one of the blue light services, or one of the services which support them, does so to protect Guernsey and keep it a safe and secure place to live.

“These roles are hugely rewarding, but also incredibly challenging, and sometimes demand sacrifices. National 999 day is a chance for us to all take a moment and reflect on the hard work our emergency service workers do, and what they may have given up to help others. Without the teams across police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, civil protection, and the other services, Guernsey would not be the place it is. Guernsey should be proud of their continued efforts.”

Pictured: Today's service took place on the White Rock.

Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “999 Day has become a significant day in the calendar which focuses our thoughts on the dedication of all of the emergency services across the Bailiwick and across the UK. 

“It is an opportunity to reflect, and to thank our blue light responders and the volunteers who support us, for the work they do all year round.

"As Chief Ambulance Officer, I would like to publicly express my thanks to our ambulance crews for their care and compassion in saving the lives. I would also like to acknowledge our support staff, the volunteer Community First Responders, Flying Christine crew and all the other St John volunteers for their valuable service to the Bailiwick.”

Pictured: Each of the emergency services were represented this morning.

Guernsey Harbour Master and Head of Guernsey Coastguard Jerome Davis said: “Our colleagues across Guernsey’s emergency services work extremely hard to keep our community safe and secure. 

“999 Day is an opportunity to celebrate their efforts and recognise their dedication. Were it not for the incredible bravery, skill and dedication of the emergency services which serve our islands, many of the incidents that we respond to would have very different outcomes. 2024 has been another busy year for our highly-trained Coastguard operators and the many outstanding volunteers who crew our RNLI lifeboats, Channel Islands Air Search aircraft and the Flying Christine marine ambulance. The work they do alongside our land-based emergency services is essential to our efforts to save lives at sea.”

Pictured: Both the town and airport fire service were represented.

Guernsey’s Chief Fire Officer Jon Le Page said: “It is easy to sing the praises of all our colleagues in the Emergency Services, however it is also easy to forget that day-in day-out, collectively, we are there to support the community in their times of need.

"Whether it be an RTC, a fire, a crime, an issue at sea, a heart attack, a missing person, or one of a huge number of other potential incidents; as a group, Guernsey’s emergency services are always prepared to put themselves in harm’s way to help others.

"For that, I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone for their hard work, and I’d encourage others to join us in the moment of silence on Monday to show our respect.”

Pictured: Volunteer organisations including the Civil Protection Volunteers and the emergency services were all represented. 

The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, said:

“Our emergency services play a vital role in keeping our islands safe, including valuable preventative work to protect us in our own homes. Remarkable people stand ready at all times to support our community, sometimes at great cost to themselves, and we are better for their unstinting service.

"Today is an opportunity to think about what that means, both for them and their families, and to thank them all for the indispensable work that they do.”

Pictured above and top: 9 September is designated 999 Day.