Thank you to our emergency service heroes on 999 day

Sunday 09 September 2018

A public "thank you" has been extended to all members of Guernsey Police, Ambulance Service and Fire and Rescue Service on national '999 Day'.

The President of the Committee for Home Affairs and the President of the Committee for Health & Social Care both made a public statement to mark the occasion, to thank all of the island's emergency service heroes.

Sunday 9 September has been designated as national emergency services day across the UK with the two Guernsey politicians with oversight of the island’s blue light services taking the opportunity to celebrate the work of all of our 999 crews ahead of the event.

Deputy Mary Lowe said “our emergency services do a fantastic job, 24 hours a day all year round, keeping our community safe. They often work in difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances, requiring bravery and courage. Much of their work goes unnoticed, but we know they are there when we need them. 

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to say a public thank you to the staff of the police, fire and ambulance on 999 day. I would also like to thank the backroom staff and volunteers who support those on the frontline”

Deputy Heidi Soulsby said, “I would like to pay tribute to the staff at the St John Emergency Ambulance Service. The ambulance clinicians provide first class care and treatment for islanders when they most need it. They can often make a difference between life and death. Like their colleagues in police and fire, their work is often in difficult circumstances and due to the medical nature of the work much of what they do goes unreported, so this is our chance to thank them for their commitment and service.”

The Emergency Services Day was initially a UK initiative to "promote and celebrate the work of the blue light services, educate the public and promote the volunteering opportunities."

The national day was scheduled to officially begin at 09:00 on 9 September, the ninth hour on the ninth day of the ninth month.

There is also due to an inaugural 999 day event at Heaton Park in Manchester.

Pictured top: Martin Gray captured one of Guernsey's firemen as he battled the blaze at Guernsey Recycling on Bulwer Avenue in August