Good News Stories from the Emergency Services this Christmas

The term ‘unprecedented’ is probably one of the most used of the year. No more so than for our emergency services. They have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 response throughout the majority of 2020. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank every single critical and emergency services worker who has supported our communities, putting themselves at risk to keep the country safe, healthy and running. Thank you!

In our last blog of the year, we thought we’d highlight some of the good and ‘Christmassy’ news stories from around our four nations’ emergency services during the Christmas period. If we’re missing a good-news story from your team, just let us know and we’ll be delighted to share it with our followers. 

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Floral Christmas Dance 

The famous singing Firefighter is back…. and this year West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has teamed up with the amazing Brighouse and Rastrick Band. It’s a pleasure to present their ‘Floral Christmas Dance’, performed by Firefighter Jon Arey. Have a watch, you’ll not be disappointed.

Police super-fan receives special visit from Leicestershire Police’s Chief Constable

A young police super-fan, who adores and idolises the work of Leicestershire Police’s uniformed officers, received a special home visit to be hand delivered the force’s first Christmas card, which he himself designed.

Jay, eight, opened his front door to see Chief Constable, Simon Cole at his doorstep thanking him personally for his first official police mission in designing this year’s Christmas card, being sent out to many this festive season.

The design, hand-drawn by Jay himself, sees a police officer wearing a face covering and a police dog standing by a Christmas tree, a very relevant take on this year’s situation. Well done Jay and everyone at Leicestershire Police. 

Communities join together for Fenland children this Christmas

For the third year running, Cambridgeshire Constabulary officers have been overwhelmed by the generosity of communities in Fenland who have supported an annual Christmas gift appeal.

Last month, the Neighbourhood Policing Team asked residents to help them spread some Christmas cheer to local children in need.

The local policing team joined up with social services and The Salvation Army to collect toys and gifts for children across the Fenland district who are less fortunate and likely to wake up on Christmas Day with no presents.

Chaplains join together to give Christmas message

NHS East Midlands Ambulance Service’s Chaplain Reverend Kevin Charles has joined the chaplains from two Nottinghamshire emergency services to share a message of hope this Christmas.

Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service normally hold an annual carol service at Southwell Minster, but COVID-19 has meant that plans had to change this year.

Instead, chaplains from the three services have created a short film to spread a message of triumph over adversity during this very different Christmas time [Some footage filmed pre-COVID-19 restrictions].

Santa gets temporary COVID-19 exemption plus an Elf and Safety Message from Merseyside Police

Merseyside Police Chief reassures children that Santa can still come to Merseyside despite coronavirus restrictions as long as he follows a few simple rules.

The Emergency Services Heroes across the Humber Region Giving up their Christmas Day to keep you safe with serious Christmas advice

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service helps keep nearly one million people safe all year round. It is no different over the festive period. Operational crews and control room staff are ready for 999 calls around the clock and for some that means having to spend time away from their loved ones, especially young children, at this magical time of year.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Chris Blacksell paid tribute to his teams.

“No-one will be working both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so some households may hold back their family celebrations until the 26th. Others may just about have time to see their children open their presents on Christmas morning before heading off to begin their 24-hour shift.

I personally want to thank each and every member of our staff for their hard work and dedication in keeping our communities safe throughout the year and ask that the public remember these unsung heroes who will be working over Christmas.”

Humberside Police said: “We will have community teams patrolling the streets, to the call handlers answering the 999 and 101 calls, to the custody staff processing offenders. Teams across the force will be on duty this festive season to keep you safe. We will also be continuing to take offenders off the streets.”

A spokeswoman said: “If you see our teams out and about on patrol this Christmas please say hello and talk to them about any concerns that you have. We are here to keep you safe.”

Here at NPS we would like to wish all of our customers and everyone working for the outstanding emergency services a very peaceful and happy Christmas and look forward to a much happier 2021!