Let’s continue to be there for each other

CHRISTMAS is a time when families come together to celebrate the festive season, but this year things are different. The last year has seen a pandemic, something none of us have experienced before and something that has had a huge impact on all of our lives, both at home and work. Families have been isolated from each other and had to turn to modern technology to keep in touch.

Since March we have been working with our partners to support you, our communities, however possible. We have been delivering essential prescriptions, making phone calls to those of you shielding from the virus and others who were isolated and alone. We’ve also assisted our colleagues at the ambulance service, driving non-emergency vehicles and only last week firefighters were assisting with the set-up of the first mass vaccination centre in Derbyshire.

Throughout the pandemic and while we have been assisting with the community response, of course we have continued to respond to emergencies – at any time of the year, including Christmas and the New Year, we are on duty 24/7 to come to the assistance of anyone should they need our help.

While we are all looking forward to the new year with the hope that the Covid vaccine will bring an end to the pandemic and restrictions placed on all of our lives, I hope you are all able to enjoy a peaceful and safe Christmas, however you may be celebrating.

If you can’t be with those that are important to you, pick the phone up, call them on Zoom, or even send a letter, if they are elderly please talk to them about fire safety too; when did they last test their smoke alarm? Ensure they know what to do in the event of a fire – get out, stay out and call 999. Let’s continue to be there for each other and let’s make Derbyshire safer together.

On behalf of everyone at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, have a safe Christmas and a happy new year.”

Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson