National Volunteers Week 1-7 June

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service co-sponsored a special event to commemorate National Volunteers Week June 1st - June 7th.

On Tuesday 2nd June, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Robert Hull, and representatives of the Community Fire Safety Team, BLFRS Volunteers, Fire Cadets (Young Firefighters) and firefighters from stations joined a presentation evening at Beds Police HQ in Kempston.

Guest speaker was Tony Edwards of Volunteering England

www.volunteering.org.uk

Northern Area CFS Derek Hobbs was among those who made presentations. He said that BLFRS had 12 volunteers with more to come from the Polish community particularly. Work with the British Red Cross and the FESS vehicle was valuable for victims of fires and floods. A special award was made to Family Groups, an organisation to help women and their children from all backgrounds. As a result of the relationship with BLFRS more than 150 home fire safety checks had been carried out and more than 180 smoke detectors fitted.

Other speakers included Vince Hislop and Ch. Supt.Clare Simon from Bedfordshire Police who pointed to the work carried out by Special Police Officers and corporate volunteers.

Outside Police HQ was the SOS Bus from Luton which takes on board people who are at risk at night in the town centre. It is run by 40 volunteers and supported by various agencies - including BLFRS.