Derbyshire’s emergency services emphasise their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant

As part of Armed Forces Week, Derbyshire Constabulary hosted Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service as all three emergency services re-affirmed their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, Chief Fire Officer Mick Sharman and EMAS Divisional Director for Derbyshire Craig Whyles were joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts and Chair of the Fire & Rescue Authority Councillor Mark Cliff at the event in Ripley on Thursday (25 June).

Lieutenant Colonel Keith Spiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment and Mark Simpson QVRM from the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association were also in attendance, as well as members of the Armed Forces Networks from across the emergency services.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

Opening the event, Chief Constable Blatchly said:

“Armed Forces Week provides us with an important opportunity to pause and reflect on the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice shown by those who serve our nation.”

“It’s a chance to express our gratitude not only to those in uniform today, but to all those who have served before them and the families that support them every step of the way. In my experience, they are often the unsung heroes.

“The re-dedication of the Armed Forces Covenant is not just symbolic; and our commitment to the Covenant is not just words on paper. It is reflected in our policies, and in the culture we strive to create through our organisation.

“At Derbyshire Constabulary, we recognise the immense value that members of the Armed Forces community bring to policing. The leadership, resilience, integrity, teamwork and sense of public duty developed in through military service align closely with the values we uphold.

“No doubt that is why so many former service personnel and Reservists find second careers in all three of the emergency services due to the strong parallels.

“As we reaffirm our commitment to those who serve our country, let us continue to work to ensure that the Armed Forces Covenant remains a living promise.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts attended the event and spoke to many of those present. She said: “It is so important that we take moments like this not only to recognise the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community, but also to reflect on the lasting impact that service has on individuals and their families.

“The Armed Forces Covenant is about ensuring those who serve, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. I was proud to stand with our emergency services in reaffirming this commitment and recognising the shared values of duty and service.

“We must ensure this pledge is not just symbolic but truly felt by our Armed Forces community every day. My thanks go to all who serve, have served, and support them.”

Derbyshire Constabulary initially signed the Covenant in 2017 and, alongside DFRS and EMAS, is proud to be a Gold Award holder as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire other organisations to do the same.