A SERVICE to support International Firefighters day on May 4, will be taking place at Warrington’s St Elphin’s Parish Church.
The service will start at 11.30am lead by Warrington Fire Service Chaplain Steve, which everyone is welcome to attend.
Following the short service, a minutes silence will take place at 12pm to honour firefighters across the world who have sacrificed their lives to save others.
Firefighters and FBU union members from across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington will also join in this reflection at midday, observing a minute’s silence at their respective place of work, and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service staff will also join in this memorial.
International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is a time where the world’s community can recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters and FBU members make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.
Head of Service Delivery, Gus O’Rourke said: “The service is open for anyone to attend and pay their respects to firefighters across the world. It is intended to be a special time where people, from all walks of life, can stop and reflect on the sacrifices made by firefighters, who dedicate their lives to the protection on life and property.
“Cheshire firefighters and union members will be remembering brothers and sisters from the fire and rescue service family, who sadly lost their lives while serving their communities, with a minute’s silence.”
A modern and a vintage fire engine will be outside the church for the service and Fire Authority members, local dignitaries, retired firefighters, their families and the local community are also being asked to attend to pay their respects.
Cheshire FBU chair John West said: “I would like to thank Cheshire Fire Authority and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on behalf of the FBU for their support and co-operation on this special day. Also thanks to the Fire Service Chaplain Steve Parish for giving his time to do this service.”
For more information about the day please visit the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk
