Happy Christmas and a safe New Year to all our readers Keeping

December 2008
Keeping Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Personnel Informed
s we look forward to a New Year, on behalf
of the Senior Management Team and the
Fire Authority we wanted to say a sincere
thank you to all staff and volunteers for their hard
work over the past 12 months.
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At this time it is important to look back over
the year and reflect on the triumphs and tragedies
we have had to deal with as an emergency
service. Once again thank you for your hard work
and best wishes for a peaceful New Year,
July- the Service was one of
the first in the country to achieve
Level 3 of the Local Government
Equality Standard through a
rigorous external assessment
process and the achievement
was marked at a special awards
ceremony in Manchester.
August saw the World
Firefighter Games starting in
Liverpool with a spectacular
Steve McGuirk, Chief Fire Officer
ceremony in the Echo Arena in
Tony Hooton, Chair of the Fire Authority
Liverpool attended by over
The year began with a visit to Crewe Community
3,000 Firefighters from around
Fire Station by David Williams, Director of Race,
the world. “Team Cheshire”
Cohesion and Faith – Dept of Communities and Local were particularly successful
Government and Emma Varley, Fire Representative
with over 40 medals in events
for the Local Government Association.
as diverse as swimming, tug-of-war,
shooting, boxing and athletics.
March saw another high-profile visit when the
Secretary of State for Communities and Local
September - a Student Safety
Government Hazel Blears officially launched a
campaign was launched on 9
unique information sharing project to provide better September in Chester with a joint
services for vulnerable older people.
campaign involving Chester University.
April - Widnes Community Fire Station Open Day
was held with residents and businesses visiting the
modernised premises with store rooms converted to
study rooms and a new community room created
with full interactive educational facilities.
October - Crews from Cheshire
attended a horrific road traffic collision
on the M6 where four children and their
parents were tragically killed. Rugby league player
David Myers also died in a separate crash before the
multiple fatalities on the same stretch of motorway.
May saw the Service’s Annual Awards ceremony
where members of the public were praised for their
November saw a dramatic fall in the number of
heroic actions or service to the community, receiving bonfire incidents, a major reduction in calls received
their awards from Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn. by Control operators and no reported injuries.
June - Cheshire hosted the annual UK Personal
Assistant’s (PA’s) Conference where 65
representatives attended from fire and rescue
services all over the United Kingdom.
Cheers
for safe
pub crawl
p2
December - staff, family and
friends attended the fourth joint
emergency services Carol Service
in partnership with Cheshire Police
at a packed Chester Cathedral.
High
level
training
p9
Dressing
up for
Diwali
p16
Happy Christmas and a safe New Year to all our readers
Plus...
win in our
Xmas quiz
- p15
Northwich in safety
first ‘pub crawl’
orthwich’s B Watch spent November engaging with public
houses and nightclubs in Northwich to raise awareness of the
dangers of cooking when returning home from a night out.
N
Leaflets, posters and T-Shirts were provided to all publican staff to
advertise and wear during promotion evenings. The theme is the ‘Get
Protection’ initiative to
help create awareness of
fire safety encouraging the
fitting of smoke alarms.
Madison’s Wine Bar in
Northwich came on board
to promote the theme
continually throughout the
promotion with staff
wearing the T-shirts and
the DJ’s making numerous
announcements helping to
encourage people to think
Madisons
about safety.
The Anderton
The Beehive
Local work highlighted at national show
Over the course of three days in
November, Advocates Emma Hudson,
Barrie Green, Willie Sarson and
Suzanne West attended the
Emergency Services Show in
Coventry to promote the community
safety and road safety work carried
out by the Service.
They took with them one of the
mobile Outreach units, a Cadet vehicle
and a liveried Corsa. Goodie bags with
information and free gifts were handed
out and the team also talked to people
from different fire and rescue services
and also the RAF Fire Service, with
many impressed by the Service’s work
to make homes and roads safer.
There was great interest in the
Outreach vehicle which most people
found to be an excellent way of both
getting out in the community and
doubling up as an incident command
unit.
Some of the stands that were of
interest were ‘Amputees in Action’
which are used for realistic training
exercises (not for the squeamish);
West Midlands “Your Choice on the
Road” Campaign, and Cambridge Fire
and Rescue Service who have a new
and exciting way of reaching young
people called “Child Whispering”.
All the Advocates felt that the
whole event was very well received
and helped to maintain the positive
image of Cheshire Fire and Rescue
Service. Area Manager Phil Hales said,
“When we attend these events the
Advocates Barrie Green, Suzanne West,
Emma Hudson and Willie Sarson.
feedback from other Services is always
positive. I know the Advocates will have
represented the Service in a positive
light that shows us at the forefront of
community safety delivery.”
Advice helps Runcorn family escape
A Runcorn family had a lucky escape recently when they
were alerted to a fire involving their cooker by a smoke
detector.
detector and realising that there was a fire, the family were
able to safely leave the house closing doors behind them
and call 999.
The smoke detector was fitted in April as part of a Home
Safety Assessment. During the assessment the family were also
given fire safety advice and were taught what to do in the event
of a fire breaking out in their home. On hearing the smoke
Watch Manager Pete Finnigan, who was the Incident
Commander of the two pump attendance said, “This is
proof once again that smoke detectors save lives. Thanks
to the detector and the quick actions of the family, no-one
was hurt and the damage was kept to a minimum.”
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Protection team reaches out
to Tytherington
rson prevention was the main theme of an “Outreach
Day” at Tytherington Business Park at the end of
October following an earlier arson incident at one of
the premises.
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Organised by the Cheshire East Community Fire Protection
office, the event was also used to launch a new fire safety leaflet
aimed at reducing the instances of electrical fires in commercial
premises.
The advice was put together as electrical faults are the
second highest cause of all fires in commercial premises within
the Cheshire East area, the highest being deliberate fire setting.
A total of 35 businesses which included factories,
warehouses and office blocks were given arson prevention
advice, information on the new Fire Safety Order and the new
electrical safety leaflet.
Pictured with staff from Cheshire East Community Fire
Protection are Kevin Barber from Powernet Products and Mark
Tunnicliffe from Tunnicliffe Signs.
Knutsford drives home Schoolgirls in
Chester tour
speeding dangers
A total of 31 school girls aged 5-6 and
teachers from The Queens School
spent the morning at Chester Fire
Station where White Watch
Firefighters Wayne Clarke and Daniel
Holmes gave them a tour of the
station and a run down of daily
operations.
Knutsford have held their
seventh driver enforcement day
of the year, with crews selecting
different sites throughout the
area which are local “Red
Routes” or where research has
shown that drivers speed.
Over 80 people were educated
on the dangers of speeding, none
of which opted to pay a fine or
accumulate points on their licence.
The presentation included a
display and discussion about a
crashed vehicle, photos of
incidents Knutsford have attended
recently and a DVD showing safety
adverts and finally - a body bag
with a dummy in it.
Above, speeding motorists and below, the
crashed vehicle display.
SHOCKED
The attitude of the public was
very positive with most being
embarrassed about being stopped
but most stated they were very
impressed and shocked at what
they had seen and heard, and
would definitely think more about
road safety in the future.
Thanks to crews at Knutsford
for their efforts and positive
attitudes.
The children got to know what
happens on station when a fire call is
made, hearing the sound of the alarm
bells and a talk on equipment stowed
on appliances and there usage. They
then completed a fire drill on the yard
and used a hose reel becoming
firefighters in the making!
Their “homework” from the visit was
to ensure that their homes all have
working smoke detectors fitted.
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Making a difference on the streets
he ‘On The Streets’ team have been working in
Hough Green, Widnes since May in a six month
initiative run by Halton Youth Service to engage
young people and delivered in partnership with the
Service.
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The project recently celebrated its finale attended by
representatives from the Youth Service, Fire and Rescue
Service, Halton Borough Council, St Basil’s and All Saints
Church as well as friends and family of the young people
involved.
The evening’s celebration saw Reece Lynch MC’ing the
event as part of “11 Million Take Over Day” – an initiative
aimed at involving young people in organised activities and
decision making. A further five young people contributed in
a variety of ways to planning and delivering the celebration.
One said “It has helped me meet new people and develop
more confidence. Also I have had lots to do. I have
experienced new opportunities and skills”.
“On The Streets” project celebrate the end of the project
Since May more than 130 young people have been
contacted and many have been involved in consultations,
quizzes and activities including drugs and alcohol awareness,
equality and diversity and healthy eating, as well as Firefighter
training. “On The Streets” offers young people the
opportunity to try new things, engage in decision-making and
to plan and deliver their own activities and learning
opportunities.
Examples of how the young people were involved in their
community include Sarah and Callum who have been working
as part of a design team to design a new world-class youth
centre for Widnes and have submitted a My Place funding bid
for over £2.5million. Their hard work will be recognised by a
Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Another three have successfully completed their Young
Sports Leaders Awards, a further four have completed
Recruitment and Selection Training, while twelve have been
involved with multi-sports sessions at Upton Community
Centre.
The number of youth-related incidents in the area have
reduced significantly since the team started working in the
area. There was a 55% reduction during May 2008 compared
to April when the team were not in the area, and a 62%
reduction for May to July 2008 when compared to the same
period during 2007.
Despite the “On The Streets” team moving on from Hough
Green the young people are still involved in a whole range of
activities. To find out more contact Nick Evans
nick.evans@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Exercise leaves crew ready to drop
“Stop, drop and roll” was the Fire
Safety message Firefighters from
Red Watch Runcorn gave to pupils
at Halton Lodge School in Runcorn.
Firefighters and Pupils took part in
a P.E. lesson involving an obstacle
course set up by Firefighter Ammant
Patel. The last obstacle involved
“STOP ! DROP AND ROLL” showing
pupils and staff the correct actions to
undertake in the unlikely event that any
of the garments they were wearing
should catch fire.
Crews and pupils thoroughly
enjoyed the session, though it must be
said the firefighters looked a little more
tired than the pupils !
Firefighters and pupils after their
“Stop, Drop and Roll” exercise.
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Youth club members
deliver HSAs
joint initiative involving Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
and LHT (Liverpool Housing Trust) has involved young
people in delivering Home Safety Assessments (HSA’s).
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Station Manager Steve Flanagan, former Station Admin Manager
Lorna Lucas and Advocate Alison Lamb together with Jane Smith
from the housing association approached the Windmill Hill Youth Club
in Runcorn about the initiative.
After initial training at Runcorn Fire Station, nine volunteers
Sade Shearer, Nakita Shearer, Dean Holmes. Kevin Holmes,
Kyle Gilligan, Josh Gilligan, Jesika Brow, Hannah Jones,
Hannah Jones and Nathanial Capes got involved in visiting
tenants’ homes and providing the service together with
Green Watch.
Lorna and Alison had nothing but praise for the way the
young people conducted themselves. “Once out in the
community, they were a pleasure to work with and their
conduct while in the resident’s homes was exceptional. We
look forward to doing more work with them in the future” said
Alison.
Crew Manager John Verry said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity
in helping develop life skills for these youngsters that will not only
have a positive effect on themselves but also their family, friends and
of course sends out a message that there still exists groups of young
people that genuinely want to play apart in improving their community.
Hopefully this positive attitude will encourage others to take part in
future schemes and enjoy the benefits that people gain from such
events.”
All the volunteers were given two free tickets to Runcorn’s FRENZY
Disco courtesy of Cheshire Police.
Birchwood crew goes back to school
Red Watch at Birchwood have set up a partnership with a school as part of a campaign to reduce problems with anti
social behaviour on the local Vulcan and Valiant estate.
It was identified that approximately half of the pupils from Brook
Acre Primary School are from the Vulcan and Valiant estate so the
Watch aim to work with the school as well as giving children the
opportunity to spend a morning at the fire station.
Proposed activities include supporting classroom activities such as
arts and crafts, attending extra curricular clubs, reading and writing
with the school children and acting as role models, assisting in PT
activities such as football, rounder’s, athletics, trim trails and future
Sports Days.
Watch Manager Jami Jennings said he believed that by working
with the Brook Acre pupils it will have a positive effect in reducing the
number of nuisance calls, increase the number of completed HSA’s,
reduce the likelihood of attack’s and assaults on firefighters and
hopefully see a reduction in anti-social behaviour on the Vulcan and
Valiant estate.
Firefighters and pupils from Brook Acre Primary School.
5
Joint Widnes event is a
real winner
fter months of planning, Blue Watch Widnes
organised an Outreach day at Morrison’s car
park, Green Oaks in partnership with Age
Concern Halton.
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The day was aimed at giving local older people the
opportunity to have a chat with local firefighters and
representatives from Age Concern about a holistic
approach to their home safety and current issues on fuel
poverty, benefits and personal safety.
The event was a great success with lots of people
discussing issues with the partnership which resulted in
many elderly people benefiting from the advice given and
the prospect of a home safety visit. Fire and Rescue
Service Advocates, Volunteers and the local Police
Community Support Officers were on hand to offer further
advice.
A spokesperson for Age Concern said: “For our part it
was extremely successful and we would be delighted to
work with the Service again very soon. Your presence
certainly drew people in and we were able to get
approximately 64 referrals - that is 64 people we can
potentially help. We would also like to thank all the crew
for being so helpful and making a fine cuppa too!”.
Members of the Service with partner agencies Age
Concern Halton, HBC, Morrisons and PCSO.
Firework campaign sparks safety message
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service visited primary schools throughout the area as part of its firework safety campaign
aimed at reducing the number of accidents on bonfire night. Schools were visited in the run up to bonfire night to
explain that while watching fireworks can be fun, they are explosive and need careful handling and storage.
Firefighters and Advocates worked hard in educating the children in the firework safety message hoping they passed this
onto their parents to help stop them putting their families at risk on bonfire night.
Advocates Alison Lamb and Dave Petley were invited to Farnworth Primary School in Widnes to give a talk on electrical and
bonfire safety. All the children had lots of questions and the class were left with a project to send in drawing of what they had
learned. The images below
show how much they had
listened to the advice.
Also highlighting the
bonfire message was a
press release issued on
behalf of the Service and
the Department for Business
Enterprise and Regulatory
Reform (BERR). This was
sent out jointly to all
national, regional and local
press and generated radio
interviews and photo
opportunities at a school in
Cheshire with Youth Support
Officer Sue Cleaver.
Farnworth Primary School pupils James Speed, Mia Brown and Ann Mary Richardson show their artistic
talents.
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It’s official – 38 is a
dangerous age
‘Driver Engagement’ event held
at Runcorn on the in November
demonstrated the Service’s
commitment to safer roads, and
found that the average age of
motorists pulled over by Cheshire
Police for ‘minor’ offences was 38!
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The partnership event organised by
the Service, Cheshire Constabulary and
Cheshire Safe Roads Partnership was a
response to the vigilance of Cllr Mike
Shepherd of Runcorn’s Windmill Hill,
who had noticed a number of vehicles
travelling at excessive speed on the
Daresbury Expressway.
The initiative involves members of
the Police requiring drivers who are
driving slightly above the speed limit
while talking on mobile phones or not
wearing seatbelts to pull over. They are
then given the choice of fixed penalties
points or even fines or escaping the
penalties by attending a learning event
with members of the Service. Drivers
selecting this option were given advice
and instruction from Green Watch at an
Outreach Vehicle parked by the
Expressway. Also in attendance were
Advocates Dave
Petley and Barrie
Green, and
Volunteers Danielle
Incledon and Chris
Redfern.
Of the 61 drivers
pulled over, 59
opted for the
instruction.
Although the
majority stated that (l to r):Advocate Barrie Green, CM Garry Sawdy, FF Craig
McIntyre, FF Pete Mainwaring, Councillor Mike Shepherd, CM
they were
John Verry, WM Neil Brookes.
embarrassed at
being stopped, a
“Some of the drivers encountered were
massive 90% stated that they felt the
quite upset at being stopped but the
Police actions were justified and 100%
team were excellent in encouraging
stated that the Service’s presentation
them to use it as a refresher for driving
was either very good (90%) or good
habits that they let slip, as opposed to a
(10%). Forty seven people were
punitive initiative. Special thanks must
stopped for failing to wear a seat belt,
go to Firefighter John Monaghan from
five for using a mobile telephone, six for Red Watch for his excellent
other offences, and one rather fortunate
organisational skills and interagency
driver from the Rochdale area who
liaison, as well as to Advocates,
happened to be passing through had
Volunteers, Cllr Mike Shepherd and
been speeding, using his mobile, AND
Cheshire Police and lastly to Green
not wearing his seatbelt.
Watch for their efforts and enthusiasm
Crew Manager Garry Sawdy said
on the day.”
Trust recruits Army
for team building
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Prince’s Trust celebrated their 150th
team anniversary on 11 December.
To prepare for this, current teams from Warrington, Crewe and Chester
decided to have a team building.
Project Manager Ian Hegarty
organised a day with the British
Army Recruitment Team based
in Warrington. On Friday 21
November the three teams met
with the Army Team at
Warrington Fire Station. Thirty
students plus Team Leaders and
Assistants took part in many
forms of team building and all
the students thoroughly enjoyed
the day and took an active role,
even though it was one of the
coldest days of the year.
Team building
with the Army.
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School lessons on
cooker safety
atch Manager Keith Roberts from Red Watch has given fire
safety lessons on the dangers of chip pan and cooker/
kitchen fires in the home to 80 year nine pupils at Fairfield
High School in Widnes.
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He asked the pupils to complete a questionnaire on their perception
of risk from fire then used parts of the Key Stage 2 DVD to enhance this
lesson. This also involved a practical demonstration using the chip pan
unit with the assistance of two Advocates.
Needless to say, both pupils and the school staff were very
impressed with the lesson which was interactive and was obviously
different to a normal school day. Keith has developed a lesson plan that
links into the national curriculum which is the key to targeting schools
and fundamental to gaining access to this target audience.
He is conducting this lesson to all the high schools in Widnes, and
has already trained two advocates in its delivery and hopes to role this
out to Runcorn in the near future.
Station Manager Phil Kilgour said of Keith, “He has undertaken all the
prep work and delivered to two schools in Widnes on his days off, and I
have witnessed at first hand his delivery which is so enthusiastic and
really gets the message across to his intended audience”.
Keith delivering the safety messages and the pupils
witnessing the chip pan fire demonstration.
Pupils’ gift for Fire fighters charity
Firefighters from Red Watch Runcorn attended a special assembly at
Halton Lodge School in Runcorn to say a big “thank you” to pupils and
staff.
The school was disappointed when they heard they couldn’t attend the
Station Open Day, so they decided to think of other ways they could support
their local firefighters. One idea was to have a non-uniform day. Pupils paid
£1.00 to come to school in normal clothes, raising more than £120.00 for the
Fire Fighters Charity. Head Teacher Gaynor Dickinson presented the cheque to
Red Watch in front of a packed school assembly.
Pupils and firefighters at Halton Lodge.
Widnes visits focus on cooking dangers
lue Watch at Widnes have been visiting sheltered and
residential homes in their area following a number of
incidents associated with cooking.
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They have been educating residents in the dangers of unattended
cookers and the importance of being vigilant whilst preparing food.
The visits were also linked into the FRAMES initiative and Home
Safety Assessment policies. Each property was fitted with an
information point in communal areas and individual safety concerns
were addressed by crews during the visits. Any concerns highlighted
were brought to the attention of the occupier and referred to the duty
warden to oversee.
Crews were warmly welcomed by all residents as it gave them the
opportunity to talk to their local firefighters and to voice any personal
safety issues.
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Firefighters Mackenzie and Taylor with the residents of
Victoria Court, Widnes.
11 Million takeover
s part of National Youth Work Week, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
invited local school children to take over from adults across the county
as part of the Governments “11 Million Takeover Day” initiative to help
make and shape key decisions.
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The Service invited children and young people from local schools into six of their
Community Safety Centres across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington. The day gave
the young people an insight into what it takes to be a firefighter, focusing on team
work and problem
solving. After taking part
in team building exercises
they were given a brief to
come up with an
imaginative and targeted
marketing campaign to
help reduce fire related
issues faced in their
community.
The winning marketing
campaign will be
developed and delivered
in the area the young
people live and go to
Youth Workers Jenna Clare and John Pugh together with
school, using a mix of
Chair of the Fire Authority Cllr Tony Hooton and young
posters, email and
people who attended the “11 Million” event at
website campaigns.
Headquarters.
Telescope offers
top-level training
Personnel from Knutsford Line Rescue team have recently been updating their
rope rescue training skills and have attended another specialist training
course.
Crews attended training at
Jodrell Bank radio telescope
which is 88 metres high, the
equivalent of a 20 storey
building, and had to rescue a
live casualty who was
stranded at the most difficult
and highest point on the
structure. The casualty was
then lowered down in a
specialised stretcher.
The crews are pleased to
be gaining plenty of
experience in very realistic
scenarios and are very keen
to carry out exercises in all
areas.
IN BRIEF
SERVICE OUT
IN FORCE ON
REMEMBRANCE
DAY
On 9 November members of the
Service attended numerous
Remembrance Day Services
throughout Cheshire, Halton and
Warrington to remember those fallen
in conflict. This was especially
poignant as it was the ninetieth
anniversary of the end of the First
World War.
Firefighters, Cadet Leaders and
Cadets lead the Remembrance
Parade at Middlewich.
WEAR IT
PINK DAY
Headquarters staff were once again
given permission to “Wear It Pink” –
donating £1 to Breast Cancer which
raised an amazing £135.
Thank you to all who participated
and gave generously.
The TAG instructor being rescued by Watch Manager
Daryl Codling.
If station personnel have any ideas of local scenarios when the Line Rescue
team would be required, please contact Knutsford Fire Station. The crews are
particularly interested in visiting sites, familiarising themselves with local risks and
carrying out exercises to gain and improve their skills.
Headquarters staff enjoying their
“Wear It Pink” day
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Exercise benefits
are no mirage
Crews from Blue Watch at Runcorn, Widnes, Warrington and Chester took part
in Exercise Mirage on Friday 28 November along with personnel from Ineos
Chlor at the VC Loading Facility at Runcorn Docks.
The theme of the exercise was a simulated leak of Vinyl Chloride resulting in the
need to rescue two casualties. Temporary Watch Manager Pete Finnigan said “The
main objective was to reassess the Major Accident Hazard Pipelines Plan, to
implement Service policies, such as working near water, and to see the effect these
have on existing procedures.
“The exercise was very beneficial for Service personnel working in tandem with
other agencies to achieve a common goal. Some interesting operational issues
were highlighted, which hopefully will improve the effectiveness of the plan and
ultimately ensuring a safer environment for the people of Runcorn.”
HSA Awards
Runcorn Fire Station hosted the first Home Safety Assessment (HSA) Awards
in October. The purpose of the awards was to recognise the achievements of
those who have contributed most to achieving our targets.
Those recognised on the evening were; Ann McElroy and Joy Hughes for being
the first Advocates to achieve their target and Bill Blackie, Fred Thomas and Diane
Christall for being the Volunteers who took the most innovative approach to
completing HSA’s.
Red Watch Runcorn accepted the award on behalf of the whole station for being
the first station for all Watch’s to achieve their targets.
Ann McElroy and Joy Hughes receiving their award and Bill Blackie, Fred Thomas and
Diane Christall receiving their awards from CFO Steve McGuirk and Chair of Cheshire Fire
Authority Cllr Tony Hooton.
Thank You
THANKS TO WHITE
WATCH, CHESTER
Dear Mr McGuirk
I just wanted to email you to
congratulate you on the fantastic
team you have at Chester Fire
Station. For the first (and, I hope,
only) time in my life I had to call on
their assistance, last Wednesday
evening due to an electrical fault and
fire from my home's circuit board. I
was attended by White Watch.
I live very close to the station so it is
not surprising that they were on my
doorstep in minutes, but I can
honestly say that the assistance,
care, advice, diligence and
compassion was absolutely fantastic.
The team were wonderful with my
young son who was a little distressed
about the whole situation but also so
very helpful to a woman on her own
whose knowledge of electrical
matters is very sketchy! They
ensured that we were safe, had
places to go, made sure I had
sufficient emergency lighting and
instructed me on what I needed to
do once they had left. I appreciate
that the technical side of the job is
immense and much continuous
training goes into this side of the job.
However it can be more difficult to
teach someone the skills of dealing
with people that may be panicking,
assessing an individual and knowing
how best to keep them calm and
your team certainly have those skills
too.
Mr Rodaway and White Watch are
absolute professionals who fully
deserve a very high recommendation
for the work they do. I feel extremely
thankful that they attended my
emergency which, luckily, was dealt
with before it had the chance to
become so much worse.
I hope you will pass on my thanks
and appreciation to them but also
that you will recognise their great
efforts, which I know we, the general
public, do not acknowledge nearly
enough.
Many, many thanks.
Kind regards
JB
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Pupils given insight into
attacks on firefighters
reen Watch Runcorn attended
a multi-agency event to give
year 9 pupils a talk on attacks
on firefighters. With the prevailing
increase of attacks which are up by
40% this year in Halton the event was
well timed in the run up to Bonfire
night.
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Over 200 pupils from the Heath
School attended the event and were
split into small groups and rotated
around the different agencies where
each had a talk on how anti-social
behaviour affects business, the
community and the pupils themselves.
Firefighter Anthony Stewart chose
specifically to give the talk to pupils
about the attacks on firefighters, having
only been a firefighter for 14 months
and witnessing attacks on three
occasions. It seemed appropriate that
some first hand accounts could give the
students a good insight into
the types of attacks
firefighters suffer and the
costs and consequences to
us all.
The pupils were shocked
to hear some of the things
that people carry out that
could cause injury or death
to firefighters while going
about their duties.
Pupils were also
surprised to hear that a
silly prank such as
obstructing or hindering any
of the emergency services
while going about their
duties could land them a
heavy £5000 fine.
Students being given the presentation on attacks on
firefighters.
The end of the session was followed
by a small quiz with prizes given out to
the students who could answer
questions on the information they had
been provided throughout the day. With
the responses and enthusiasm from the
pupils, it was safe to say it was a
successful day.
Warrington billboard campaign
A billboard campaign which Red Watch
Warrington have initiated is aimed at
reducing fire cooker fires and fires that
spread from the room of origin.
This initiative was the brainchild of
Administration Manager Julie Fitzpatrick who
suggested that the Watch should take this
forward. It will initially run for two weeks in
December. If it proves successful, it is hoped to
offer to use of the billboard to other Watches
who wish to use it to promote their initiatives.
The billboard is situated on
a busy road in Warrington.
Environment plan is Green for ‘Go’
The first meeting of the Service’s Environment Programme
Board (EPB) took place on Tuesday 18 November.
The Board is in place to discuss environmental issues, to
monitor and review the Environmental Action Plan and to
move forward the Environment and Climate Change agenda
within Cheshire Fire Authority.
DCFO Mark Cashin chairs the Board and Cllr Stef Nelson
is the Fire Authority Environment Champion. The minutes of
the Board will be published on the Intranet.
As part of moves to raise awareness about the Green
agenda within the Service, on Thursday 20 November
Environment Officer Selina Greenow, Diane Walker
(Environment Agency Senior Environment Officer) and Andy
Jobson (Environment Agency Environment Officer) gave
presentations to the Station Managers Forum regarding
operational environment considerations.
11
Runcorn showcase
uncorn Fire Station recently held its second
'showcase event' of the year. The 'Winter Road Safety
Open Day' organised by Firefighter Rob Everson was
the first event of its kind in the county and was a
spectacular template for future RTC events.
R
Rob had clear objectives; to raise awareness of road safety
for the community; to demonstrate to the community the skills
of the Service at road traffic collisions (RTC), to further train the
crews of Runcorn and Frodsham on RTC procedures and to
demonstrate the newly enquired skills of the Runcorn Cadet
Unit
The event was supported by many of our partners including
Police, Ambulance and the Highways Department and the day
was further enhanced by donations from local businesses
including Halfords and JJB.
Through RTC demonstrations, various displays, multi-media
Watch Manager Nick Holmes oversees an RTC demonstration
presentations and one to one customer engagement the day
was used to educate the community about drink and drug
driving, speed reduction, seat belt use, mobile phone use, red routes, cycling safety and preparation of vehicles for winter.
Station Manager Sean Henshaw said, “Support for the day came from White Watch Runcorn, Nick Holmes and Ian Dunbar,
Advocate Alison Lamb and the Halton Volunteers, Martin Dowle, the Runcorn Cadets and one or two off duty colleagues but
special thanks should be given to Rob Everson for organising a superb event.”
Mini-moto seizure Safety message
has BIG impact
with a kick to it!
Firefighter Nick Shaw from Chester’s Red Watch
not only trains to fight fires, but also helps train
two-time world Muay Thai and Iska World
Kickboxing Champion Dave Newbrook alongside
Thailand champion Tam Anek Chomsomboon.
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and
Nick has been involved in Muay Thai training with
Dave and Tam for nearly ten years. He finds it a great
way to keep fit and flexible, but as soon as the
gruelling training session ends Nick is ready to give
advice about fire safety in the home and the
importance of having smoke detectors to Dave and
all the members of the gym.
Firefighters witness the crushing of the confiscated cycles.
If anyone is interested in Muay Thai training they
can contact Nick at Chester Fire Station.
A recent seizure of mini-motos and motorcycles from Widnes
highlighted effective close working between local police and
concerned agencies.
Following a search of premises in the Hough Green area, over 30
motor cycles and mini-motos were recovered, the occupant was
arrested and an investigation is ongoing. The same day further
known individuals were arrested on suspicion of having stolen
motorcycles and three of these were recovered. The source of many
of Widnes’ nuisance motor cycle fires have now been taken out of
circulation. As a result of this, a day was set aside to crush these
mini-motos and motor cycles, and White Watch Widnes attended
the car park in Widnes to witness their destruction into metal cubes.
12
Dave Newbrook, Nick Shaw and Tam Anek Chomsomboon
Birchwood backs
cancer group
Birchwood’s Red Watch has been working in partnership with the
John Holt Cancer Foundation Support Group.
As well as assisting and supporting charity events involving the
foundation, the Watch organised a Christmas Party for the children
whose parents and grandparents have been suffering with cancer. The
event proved extremely successful with the children able to experience
being firefighters for the evening as well as a surprise visit from Father
Christmas.
Thank You
AN EYE ON THE ELDERLY
Dear Sir
I write to send my congratulations to your Service
in respect of the two Officers who came to my
house last Monday to undertake a survey.
Both of were efficient, courteous, professional and
helpful in the manner in which they went about the
job. The questions posed together with the
answers given were most helpful to someone who
has thankfully not been involved in a domestic fire.
The additional questions concerning the wellbeing
of my wife and myself were most surprising. I know
that the milkman and postman locally keep an eye
open for the more elderly of us but it was nice to
know that the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
has the same thoughts in mind.
Long may we be served by such dedicated
personnel.
BHT
Frodsham
Family and friends waiting for Santa to arrive.
Homes’ visits focus
on winter safety
Red Watch at Birchwood has been delivering presentations to
elderly persons in sheltered housing, endorsing the Department for
Communities and Local Government’s “Winter Fire Safety” theme.
These talks have been highlighting the dangers involved with fire
safety during the winter period. Numerous events have proved
successful with over 125 Home Safety Assessment’s completed for
members of the public over 65 years of age.
CHARITY SPORTS QUIZ
On behalf of the Board of Cheshire Crimestoppers
I would like to thank you for your generous
donation in support of our recent Sports Quiz.
This enabled us to offset costs through the
purchase of inscribed trophies recording your
support and a number of prizes.
You will be pleased to know that the event raised a
net profit of £860 all of which will be used in the
fight against crime.
You will also doubtless be pleased to learn that the
trophy for best performing emergency services
team was won by the Fire and Rescue side led by
John Salt, which finished third overall.
We at Cheshire Crimestoppers place great value
on our working partnership with Cheshire Fire and
Rescue Service and look forward to taking this
very positive relationship into the foreseeable
future.
Yours sincerely
Colin Brown
Chair
Firefighters mid-presentation at a “Winter Fire Safety” event
13
Festive Arrivals
New starters
Sandra Keane
Sandra has joined us as an Administrator in
the Leadership and Development
department. Previously she worked as a
Personal Assistant for a recruitment agency
in Crewe.
Steven McGeorge
Prior to joining us Steven was an apprentice
spray painter. He now joins Customer
Services Department as a Trainee.
Bridget Austin
Bridget is a Leadership and Development
Advisor and previously worked for over 20
years for the NHS working in Human
Resources and Training and Development.
Susan Douglas
Susan has joined us as Personal Assistant
to the Chief Fire Officer. Previously Susan
was an Emergency Planning Officer for
Warrington Borough Council.
G a reth Ta y l o r
Gareth has joined us in the Design and
Publications department as a Video
Technician, a role he held in his previous
position at Yale College in Wrexham.
Celeste Holmes
Celeste has joined us as the Road Safety
Administration Assistant working at SHQ.
She previously owned her own business
supplying art materials.
Debbie Higgins
Debbie has joined us as the Customer
Services Supervisor. Previously she worked
for over seven years as a Tenders and
Projects co-ordinator for Pulse Fitness in
Congleton.
D a n n i M o r re y
Danni has joined as an Administration Clerk
working between Northwich and Winsford
Fire Stations. Previously she was an
Administration clerk at Bentley Motors in
Crewe.
Farewells
Leavers
Phil Nicolls
Youth Engagement
Chester
3 Nov
CM Trevor Povey
Frodsham
2 yrs
Sacha Mullin
Runcorn/Widnes 16 Nov
2 yrs
SHQ
6 Nov
2 yrs 9 mths
FF Adrian Meredith
Holmes Chapel
31 Dec
21 yrs
FF David Rose
Northwich
31 Oct
30 yrs
FF Ian Mitchell
Warrington
25 Nov
30 yrs
FF Chris Riley
Stockton Heath
2 Nov
30 yrs
FF Russ Derbyshire
Wilmslow
27 Nov
30 yrs
FF Alan Syers
Northwich
19 Nov
30 yrs
WM Gerry McCabe
Stockton Heath
29 Nov
30 yrs
FF Eddie Carson
Stockton Heath
19 Nov
30 yrs
FF Chris Callanan
Chester
30 Nov
30 yrs
SM Dave Roberts
Audlem
21 Nov
20 yrs
SM Martin Postlethwaite Crewe
5 Dec
27 yrs 6 mths
FF Tom Foster
Warrington
25 Nov
30 yrs
FF Ian Kennerley
13 Dec
27 yrs 8 mths
Joy Flanagan
9 Nov
12 yrs
Retirements
14
Northwich
XMAS WORDSEARCH
Look at the Wordsearch below and find the words listed in the puzzle. One of the words does not appear
in the grid. Identify that word and send your answer to chris.blackham@cheshirefire.gov.uk by Friday 16
January for your chance to win one of three £25 High Street Vouchers.
Answers read horizontally, diagonally,
vertically, backwards and forwards.
Robin
Pudding
Crackers
Holly
Reindeer
Mistletoe
Nativity
Carols
Candles
Decorations
Tinsel
Wreaths
Star
Bethlehem
Tree
Manger
Angels
Shepherds
Santa
Pantomine
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A
Japanese researchers in Chester tour
On Monday evening 24 November three Professors from the University of Tokyo arrived in Chester to carry out
research into the fire protection of historic towns. Their tour included visits to Paris and Nantes in France and they
were accompanied by Steve Emery, Fire Safety Advisor for English Heritage.
Professors Osamu Goto, Ai Sekizawa and Ryuta Ohashi are
carrying out the study into the fire protection of cities such as
Chester with a view to introducing new legislation that will make
sprinklers a requirement for historic buildings in Japan.
Professor Sekizawa and two of his colleagues had previously
visited Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2005. Since then
Wiltshire has had some notable successes in retrofitting sprinklers
into historic houses.
Watch Manager Brian Tuohy provided the Professors with a
guided tour of the City centre assisted by Mrs Ritsuko Frost, a
Japanese interpreter.
He gave the visitors an insight into the complicated layout of
one of the city’s central cores and highlighted the difficulties
encountered by operational crews during the Bridge Street fire in
2001.
Our Japanese visitors with Brian and Mrs Frost in Chester City.
15
Dressing up for Diwali
embers of the Service’s Women’s Institute (WI)
branch and staff were given an insight into the
festivities surrounding Diwali during one of their
recent meetings at Headquarters.
M
information on forthcoming events, which are also open to all,
then please contact Tracy Radcliffe on 01606 868403.
Community Campaigns Officer Dina Patel told the group
that Diwali is a five day event celebrated by all Hindu, Jain
and Sikh communities and is similar to Christmas.
She told of the traditions surrounding this festival and what
it means to her and her family and showed how a traditional
saree is worn and invited staff to try one on.
Organised by members of the WI, the event provided
information on how decorating homes with traditional oil
lamps, also known as divas and candles, setting off fireworks,
exchanging of gifts and festive meals with family and friends
were all part of the celebration. She also provided a selection
of different sweet and savoury food to sample.
For more information about the WI group, which is open
to all female members of staff and partners or spouses, or for
Dina Patel with attendees at the Diwali event.
Chester’s bright
Emergency
Services carol Christmas
message
concert
Chester Cathedral hosted the fourth joint emergency
service’s Carol Concert on 2nd December. It was an
opportunity to get into the festive spirit as guests were
treated to performances by Chester Primary School Choir,
Dee-Sign Deaf Choir, the Cheshire Constabulary Band and
soloist Sophie Bond.
It was very well attended by employees of Cheshire Fire &
Rescue Service who added their voices to the carols.
CFO Steve McGuirk adds his voice to the Carol Service.
16
Chester firefighters in conjunction with B&Q, Sealand
Road, Chester have put out the message - “It’s now time
to check your Christmas tree lights”.
Firefighters Wayne Clarke, Darren Adams and Daniel
Holmes visited B&Q to promote a safety campaign asking
shoppers to check their lights are ready for Christmas and
recommend that if using outside lights a suitable circuit
breaker is used.
A watchful little elf oversees the campaign with Wayne, Darren
and Daniel and a B&Q employee.
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