Celebrating our emergency services this 999 day

Every hour of every day, emergency services workers are there and ready to help should the worst happen.

Whether it is an ongoing crime, injury or illness, or a fire, those on the front line save lives and get people the help and support they need as quickly as possible.

Today (9 September 2023), on the UK’s national Emergency Services Day, it gives people a chance to show appreciation for almost two million people serving communities in the emergency services as either employees or volunteers.

In Derbyshire, we know how hard those in the emergency services work, often coming together and joining forces in people’s hour of need.

Chief Constable Rachel Swann QPM, from Derbyshire Constabulary said: “It is always fantastic to see how dedicated our officers, staff and volunteers are to working as a team and with our other emergency service partners to ensure Derbyshire remains safe and to help people when they need it.

“Every single person in the emergency services does a fantastic job, ensuring they are ready to take on any call whether it be a crime, fire, or medical emergency.

“On Emergency Services Day, we want to say a massive thank you to all those on the front line and those who support them. You are appreciated every single day, working with us as one big team and for being there when people are in need, all hours of the day and night.”

Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson KFSM, from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: "I am humbled by the commitment displayed by our wholetime and on-call firefighters, control room operators and professional support employees daily, and their dedication to work in unity with our emergency service colleagues to make Derbyshire a safe place to live, work and travel.  

 "Our people are at the heart of our fire service, and they continue to put our communities at the forefront of all they do.  

 "Emergency Services Day provides us with a fantastic opportunity to express our gratitude to all emergency service personnel, whether on the front line or behind the scenes. Your value is recognised each day as we work united to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all." 

Tim Slater, Divisional Director for Derbyshire at East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “As a county, we should be incredibly proud of our frontline colleagues within the Ambulance, Police and Fire service who are dedicated to helping those across Derbyshire in their time of need.

“At EMAS, our skilled and dedicated clinicians respond to patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so it is lovely that there is a specific day set aside to formally recognise their hard work.

“Whilst part of the large NHS family, we are proud of our history and role within the ‘blue light’ emergency services, committed to working in close partnership with our Fire and Police colleagues.”