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Thumbs up for fire service following inspection
22/01/2021
Fire crews have adapted and worked to support other services during the pandemic
Our local fire service crews have received a thumbs up for how they have adapted and responded to the pandemic. The praise came following an inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
Her Majesty’s Inspector, Matt Parr, said: “The service responded well during the pandemic and provided additional support to its community.
“It used its wholetime and on-call firefighters to respond to emergencies, and the increased availability allowed the service to support its partners, especially the local ambulance trust. This meant the people of Oxfordshire were well supported through the pandemic.”
The inspection found that Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to improve and use technology to ensure it is working in the most effective and efficient way.
In the face of lockdown and pressures on the National Health Service, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has remained available to support South Central Ambulance Service.
Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire’s Director of Community Safety and Chief Fire Officer, said: “Our service puts the safety of Oxfordshire residents at the heart of everything we do.
“Our teams work around the clock, not only during a global pandemic but every single day of the year to support those in need. When things go wrong and residents require our support, we respond quickly and effectively.
“When the pandemic first peaked in 2020, we began working with South Central Ambulance Service and we continue to support it by providing firefighters to drive ambulances and assist their crews. These firefighters are all volunteers from within the service and we thank them for their tremendous effort.
“Our officers and support teams also used their command and project management skills to support the wider Oxfordshire response to the pandemic and were at the heart of many initiatives that supported our communities.
“The recognition from HMICFRS, following our response to the pandemic, is welcomed. I would like to thank everyone who contributes and works hard as a member of our service to protect our communities every day.”
Yvonne Rees, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, said: “The message to our communities in Oxfordshire is that we have one of the best fire and rescue services in England here in our county upon which residents can rely every day to protect, prevent and respond in times of need.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam