Volunteer scheme is a first for BLFRS

The first team of Community Fire Safety Volunteers was welcomed by the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS).

Volunteers carry out activities aimed at reducing accidental and deliberate fires across the county. Working alongside local firefighters they help to promote community safety by giving advice to members of the public at community safety events and carrying out home fire safety checks.

The volunteers are given training on guidance on how they can help the public keep safe at home and on the road. They offer their time to support valuable work in the community by BLFRS.

Tony Rogers, Area Commander North, said:

“We want to recognise your commitment and achievements as the first group of volunteers for BLFRS. This is a positive move for BLFRS, for the community and for you as volunteers.”

Chief Fire Officer, Paul Fuller, who presented volunteers with certificates of achievement, added:“Our firefighters have increasing demands on their time. We want them to be able to use their time for training and responding to incidents. We work in partnership with police and local councils to make people safer in their homes and neighbourhoods and these volunteers will be part of that activity.

The team of CFS volunteers all have stories to tell:

Gary McConnell, aged 30 from Cotton End, has always been interested in the Fire Service. His dad was a firefighter for 26 years and started his career at Kempston Station.

He says: “As Operations Director of a Security Company, I am able to work flexibly so that I have time to volunteer. I am committed to this work and want to get involved in working in the community to get the safety messages across.”

Rose Donaghey, aged 28 from Gt Barford, wanted to do some voluntary work in the community and looked at website www.vol.org where she saw that BLFRS wanted volunteers.

She says: “I've always been interested in the emergency services and so glad I have joined.

“So far I've worked in the community on electrical fire safety of blankets and Christmas lights and in promoting fire safety at various events. I like meeting people and am rewarded with their smiles.”

Adam Dearman, aged 21 from Kempston, has wanted to be a firefighter since he was a boy after growing up in the shadow of Kempston Fire Station and seeing and hearing fire engineers respond to incidents.

He says: “A family friend is a firefighter and encouraged me to join as a volunteer. I am delighted to be helping BLFRS and have already attended a number of events and enjoyed talking to people and seeing their response to the service we offer.”

Eileen Swaisland, aged 44 of Bedford, found out about the volunteer scheme while supermarket shopping.

She explained:
“Thanks to the Fire and Rescue Service my family were rescued from a house fire and I wanted to pay something back. I want to advise people of fire safety so that they do not have to face the consequences of fire.

“Working part time at a middle school, I am able to give some time to working voluntarily. I've already worked with children in the community advising on fire safety and I'm really enjoying it.”

Philip Morton, aged 25 of Gt Barford, had been looking for a voluntary role whilst between jobs and knew he wanted to put something back into the community. Voluntary work with the Fire and Rescue Service fits the bill.

He said: “I have been working in the community doing fire safety checks and leaflet dropping. My aim is to minimise fires and that has to be worthwhile.”

Peter Downing, aged 69 of Ampthill, explained that BLFRS had asked for volunteers at the Ampthill Community Safety Group and he decided to step up to the mark.

Now retired as Building Services Manager for a national company, Peter knows how important it is to prevent fire from buildings and homes. He had previously worked with the Fire Service who advised on fitting fire prevention and alarm systems to buildings.

He said: “I am keen to get out into the community and offer advice about fire prevention and have already been working with firefighters from Ampthill Fire Station at various community events in the area.”

This volunteer scheme is a first for Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service.