Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Stephen Bunney, raised the Emergency Services Day flag this morning, ahead of the official day, which takes place tomorrow.
Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, is marked annually and gives people the opportunity to show their appreciation and support for the heroic men and women of the NHS and emergency services.
The day also promotes the work of the emergency services, promotes using the emergency services responsibly, educates the public about basic lifesaving skills, and promotes the many career and volunteering opportunities available.
Speaking during the ceremony, which took place outside Guildhall, Marshalls Yard in Gainsborough, Cllr Bunney said:
“We are here to raise the 999 Day flag to show our support for the dedicated workers in our National Health Service and emergency services.
“The day promotes the work of the emergency services and how to use them responsibly, it educates the public about basic lifesaving skills and promotes the many career and volunteering opportunities available.”
Cllr Bunney also spoke about the work of volunteers and the essential role they play. He said:
“Volunteers are an essential part of the emergency services family and they play a core role in keeping Britain safe. 999 volunteer roles include Special Constables, Retained Firefighters, NHS Community Responders, St John Ambulance, RNLI, Search and Rescue and Coastguard volunteers.”
West Lindsey District Council’s chief executive Ian Knowles, who was amongst those attending, read out a poem entitled ‘Fire Command’ by Arthur W. Heredia and The Revd David Cotton said prayers.
Customer Support Office Brad Bishell then read a self-composed poem dedicated to the emergency services entitled ‘A Grateful Nation’.
Cllr Bunney raised the flag, after which there was a two minutes’ silence. The Revd David Cotton gave a blessing and Cllr Bunney gave a closing speech to end the ceremony.