This Remembrance Sunday, (Sunday 8 November) representatives from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, took part in the Civilian Services Contingent (CSC) parade during the national memorial service at The Cenotaph in London. 

Normally 180 volunteers make up the CSC, but due to COVID-19 restrictions this was reduced to 25 and volunteers were selected in recognition of contributions they have made towards dealing with the pandemic in their respective areas.  

This year Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton had the great honour of the command role which falls on a rotational basis to either the NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) or NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council) who nominate an officer. 

Watch Manager Anna Nicholas also attended alongside Mr Hammerton and was selected on the basis of military and other duties performed during the pandemic including being a firefighter for 14 years, assisting the ambulance service and running a wildlife rescue charity outside the Service.  

The wreath was placed by the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Roy Wilsher OBE QFSM. 

The parade marches onto Whitehall from King Charles Street where it joins counterparts from the Armed Forces around the Cenotaph with the CSC being the last uniformed contingent to leave the parade after the service. 

Both Rod and Anna are immensely proud, and Mr Hammerton said: “My whole family have been in public service all our careers. Both of my brothers and my father were involved in the Falklands conflict, so I understand just how much of a debt we owe to those who have fallen to protect our right to be free.  

“The chance to represent current members of the uniformed civilian services in this act of remembrance has been an absolute honour and a highlight of my career.”