Shropshire's New Chief Fire Officer

The new Chief Fire Officer of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has been appointed by Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority.

Rod Hammerton, the former Deputy Chief Fire Officer, steps up to replace John Redmond, who has retired.

After a short career in the Royal Navy, Rod joined the fire service in Hampshire in 1992 as a firefighter initially serving at Eastleigh Fire Station, near Southampton.

Submitted by Elaine.Adams on Tue, 26/07/2016 - 10:45

Fire Crews In Hospital Training Exercise

A major training exercise will be launched by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service at the weekend (July 9th) when firefighters will test their skills.

They will use part of the disused maternity unit at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to carry out realistic rescues using breathing apparatus and search and rescue techniques.

Fire officers will also test their communication, casualty handling and incident command procedures during the training event on the morning of Saturday, July 9.

Submitted by Elaine.Adams on Sun, 03/07/2016 - 11:38

Chief Fire Officer To Retire

Shropshire’s Chief Fire Officer John Redmond has announced his retirement after a distinguished 32 year career in the Fire and Rescue Service.

He has led the county brigade through some of the harshest austerity measures ever to hit the fire service slashing £3 million off the budget while keeping open county fire stations faced with closure.

His time in charge was characterised by budget reductions and shrinking resources due the Government’s austerity programme.

Submitted by Elaine.Adams on Sun, 26/06/2016 - 09:35

Fire Aid To Romania

Three times as many people die in a fire in Romania than in the UK – a stark statistic which has led to a five year Shropshire led campaign to improve survival rates in the eastern European country.

A team of volunteers, both serving and retired staff from Shropshire and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services set off for an eight day mission to Mures County in Romania on Wednesday (June 15)to donate much needed fire equipment and to provide aid to an “adopted” children’s refuge and old people’s home.

Submitted by Elaine.Adams on Thu, 16/06/2016 - 10:07

Charity Car Wash Boost

More car washes are being held around Shropshire this weekend after a car cleaning spree by firefighters raised hundreds of pounds for charity.

Off duty fire crews spruced up hundreds of cars in Bridgnorth, Church Stretton and Whitchurch last weekend armed with hoses, buckets and sponges.

A total of nine county fire stations are offering the car cleaning service in exchange for a charity donation in aid of the national Fire Fighters Charity.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Wed, 16/03/2016 - 11:45

Charity Car Wash

Shropshire firefighters armed with hoses, buckets and sponges are taking part in the national Fire Fighters Charity car wash at fire stations across the county every Saturday for the next four weeks.

They are raising hundreds of pounds for the charity which gives respite, recuperation and rehabilitation to sick or injured firefighters and their families.

A total of nine county fire stations are offering the car cleaning service in exchange for a charity donation.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Tue, 08/03/2016 - 12:57

Shropshire Fire Crews in Flood hit Lancashire

Fire crews from Shropshire have joined Hereford and Worcester, Lancashire and Cheshire firefighters in pumping thousands of gallons of water away to protect the village of Croston, near Southport, in Lancashire. They were close to the scene where the Chinook helicoper has been dropping 1 tonne sandbags to avert further flooding and fill a gap in flood defences on the River Douglas.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Wed, 30/12/2015 - 11:12

Award For Lifesaving Shropshire Fire Crew

A fire crew from Wem have received an award from the Chief Fire Officer for saving an elderly man’s life on a 999 call.

They also received a big thank you from the man whose life they saved and his grateful wife who visited Wem Fire Station during last night's drill night.

John Luce (76) had collapsed in his back garden and his heart had stopped beating when firefighters raced to use a defibrillator to bring him back to life with seconds to spare.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Thu, 17/12/2015 - 11:28

Firefighter Recruitment Campaign

Wanted: “Ordinary” people to do an “extraordinary” job in Shropshire.

That is the job description for on call firefighters who respond to 999 calls in their local community.

The latest taster day when would be recruits can find out if they are “up to the challenge” will be held at Minsterley Fire Station on Saturday, November 28.

Men and women from across Shropshire are invited to attend the on call firefighting taster day organised by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Tue, 24/11/2015 - 13:18

Employees Recognised For "Outstanding" Contribution

Employees who have made an “outstanding” contribution to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were recognised at the Celebration of Success event.

Group Commander Mark Donnelly said: “We want to recognise the achievements of members of the organisation who, through their hard work and diligence, have made an outstanding contribution to the service over the last 12 months.”

Chief Fire Officer John Redmond presented a number of certificates to members of staff.

Submitted by Elaine Adams on Thu, 12/11/2015 - 17:23

Staff