Street pastors responsible for a dramatic fall in drownings in the River Severn in Shrewsbury last night (Monday, Sept 9th) received lifesaving tuition on river rescues from Shropshire firefighters.

The church going volunteers, who range from the mid-twenties to retired, and include teachers, charity and health workers, learned how to throw buoyancy aids and lines from the safety of the towpath to firefighters in the water who are members of the brigade’s Swiftwater Rescue Team.

Oswestry firefighters Tim Davidson (left) and Adrian Bowen

Firefighter training helped save a choking man collapsed on the ground at a Shropshire show, it was revealed today.

Fire service colleagues (past and present) will no doubt be sad to learn that retired firefighter David (‘Chalky’) White passed away at the Princess Royal Hospital on Monday 22^nd July following a recent illness.

Chalky transferred from Derbyshire Fire Service in 1972 and served at Tweedale Fire Station (day-crewed) for many years prior to retiring at Telford Central Fire Station in 1992.

His funeral service will be held at Telford Crematorium on Tuesday 30^th July at 10:00hrs.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this time.

Shropshire’s new Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle

A unique service to offer practical and emotional support to people affected by house fires and other emergencies has been launched by the British Red Cross in conjunction with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

After the tragic death of a young man in Bridgnorth today, we are reminded of the dangers of swimming in open water.

The UK has been fortunate enough in seeing temperatures rise to 30 degrees in the last few days. With this weather set to continue, fire officers are warning members of the public not to swim in rivers and lakes. The water may appear calm on the surface and warm to the touch, however, this can be misleading as there are many dangers below. Such as strong currents, lower temperatures and unseen debris.