Jersey fire service celebrates 75th anniversary
The States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (SJFRS) marks 75 years by inviting the public to an open day.The service replaced the St Helier Fire Brigade in 1950.Roger le Flem, whose son is a firefighter, was among those that attended the headquarters on Saturday and watched rescue demonstrations and visited stalls about the service's work.He said his son, Logan, was "just incredible" after he watched him take part in a demonstration marking the anniversary.
Logan is 21 years old and became a full-time on-call firefighter in January.Roger said "to watch him be part of the demonstration was just incredible" but admitted "I'm terrified of heights so it also scares the life out of me".Logan added: "It's really special to be part of this as I'm new into the service but to see the history the service has been through is really rewarding."Logan was part of the rope rescue demonstration where he was lowered out of a third floor window to rescue a casualty.Chief fire officer Paul Brown said: "It's not just 75 years of the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, it's 75 years of being a fundamental part of our community."We don't exist for any other reason than to protect the people of Jersey and their interests."
Vicky Vasse came along to show her support and admiration for the work firefighters do in the island.She said "I have so much respect for them" and "they put their lives on the line doing this stuff"."They're just amazing people," Ms Vasse added.
Beth Bell is the second full-time on-call female firefighter to join the service after she was recruited earlier this year.She said "it's been amazing" and "it's been a while since we've had one of these so it's good to see children – especially girls – seeing the headquarters".Ms Bell added: "I think it's amazing the service is bringing in more females as I think it was overlooked in the past but now it's being focused on and everyone has made me feel so welcome."She hopes she can inspire more women to apply to be a firefighter as the service looks to become more inclusive.
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