Posted: Friday 23 November 2018, 15:06
A fire engine promoting the role of On-Call firefighters has been unveiled at a winter road safety event held yesterday at Solvay, sponsors of the Service’s Extrication Team and also, proud sponsors of the new recruitment branding on Heanor’s fire engine.
Unveiled by the Service’s Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Terry McDermott, Solvay’s Operations Director, Jonathan Norris and Applications Research Manager Tim Wybrow, Heanor’s fire engine was the star attraction at a winter road safety event held at Solvay’s Heanor base.
Around 50 employees from Solvay attended the event which featured a demonstration by the Service’s Extrication team of the techniques used by firefighters when responding to road traffic collisions. A winter road safety drop in session was also held after the grand unveiling of the newly branded fire engine.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Terry McDermott said: “Local employers are invaluable in providing fire and rescue services with capable staff to carry out the role of an On-Call Firefighter, something which is vital to the safety of the local community. In return for this commitment, employers get staff who receive world class training, including medial response, situational awareness, leadership skills and the ability to work in high pressure situations.
“Solvay is one such employer, with three of their Heanor employees also responding as On-Call Firefighters something that really evidences they are at the heart of their community. They are valued sponsors of the Service, supporting the Extrication team and also the new branding on Heanor’s fire engine.
“I’m delighted that we are here today, not only educating and passing on valuable winter road safety advice to Solvay’s employees, but also unveiling Heanor’s fire engine, promoting the role of On-Call Firefighters in the community, and I would encourage other employers to explore how they can also support their own employees seeking to become On-Call Firefighters.”
Jonathan Norris, Operations Director for Solvay said: “We are excited to welcome DFRS, the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive to our facilities to unveil the new sponsored artwork on Heanor's fire engine We are proud to have three Heanor On-Call Firefighters among our staff and to encourage other businesses to do the same. As part of our commitment to safety, our collaboration with DFRS enables us to contribute to both firefighters and our staff safety. This is being achieved by working closely with their County's extrication team through training and demonstrations; but also by bringing Winter Road Safety awareness to our staff".
For more information see our On-Call Firefighters page, alternatively call into any fire station and speak to a member of staff who will be happy to help.
Employers can also contact the Service’s On-Call Liaison Officer, Watch Manager Chris Heathcote, who will be happy to discuss how your business can benefit from supporting On-Call Firefighters. CHeathcote@Derbys-fire.gov.uk
