His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent visited Temple Fire Station
Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) welcomed His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, to Temple Fire Station on Wednesday 1 December. The visit highlighted the work of the Service, in particular the Services’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the unique partnership with the South Western Ambulance Foundation Trust (SWASFT).
His Royal Highness, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, Peaches Golding OBE CStJ, was greeted at the Station by Chief Fire Officer, Mick Crennell, and Chair of the Avon Fire Authority, Brenda Massey. The Duke of Kent saw rope rescue specialists demonstrate how a casualty would be rescued from a height with support from the Services’ newly equipped Drones Unit and Search and Rescue Dog, Sally.
Following the demonstration, the Duke of Kent had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Service, highlighting our climate crisis commitment and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as meeting with our Fire Investigation Team, including canine Jet.
During the visit, the Duke of Kent and Lord-Lieutenant Golding presented commemorative coins to AF&RS staff who went above and beyond to support the countries response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including training to become vaccinators and driving ambulances to support SWASFT and the NHS.
Chief Fire Officer, Mick Crennell, said: “It was an honour to showcase the fantastic work of our dedicated staff to the Duke of Kent today. I am incredibly proud of the many people across the Service who work hard to keep our communities safe, and today was an opportunity to celebrate their commitment.
“Many of our firefighters and staff have gone above and beyond since the pandemic began, supporting our Service, our communities, and our country. SWASFT and the NHS continue to be placed under huge pressure, and I am honoured to provide support to them where possible, by training our firefighters and staff to become vaccinators and driving ambulances across the Service area.
“I’d like to thank His Royal Highness and Lord-Lieutenant Peaches Golding for joining us today, it was a brilliant opportunity to acknowledge the many people who contribute to keeping our communities safe.”
Lord-Lieutenant, Peaches Golding, said: “It is a privilege to express my sincere gratitude to recipients of these commemorative coins in appreciation of their service, as well as the support of their loved ones when duty calls them. The willingness of firefighters to learn new skills and provide essential emergency services during the Covid-19 pandemic is truly humbling.”
Chair of the Fire Authority, Brenda Massey added: “I continue to be impressed by the dedication of firefighters and staff across the Service and this was a superb opportunity to celebrate the Services’ commitment to our communities, and supporting emergency service colleagues in the NHS and SWASFT.
“It was an honour to host His Royal Highness at Temple Fire Station and see the hard work and dedication of so many of our staff recognised today.”
Sarah Jenkins, SWASFT County Commander, said: “It was an incredible honour to be invited by Avon Fire and Rescue Service to meet HRH the Duke of Kent.
"This visit highlighted the services response to the COVID pandemic and the unique partnership with the Trust.
"The presentation of commemorative coins to all our colleagues from AFRS was well and truly deserved to recognise their commitment to the NHS response.’’
Sarah is pictured above with her colleague Dave Manners, Deputy County Commander.