Renewed emergency van support for Tyne and Wear Fire Service

The Salvation Army has renewed its welfare partnership with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to provide hot food and pastoral support via its emergency vehicle to firefighters across the North East during incidents. 

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at Marley Park Community Fire Station in Sunderland by representatives from both organisations, cementing an invaluable relationship that has been in place for the past four years.

The memorandum ensures that the welfare of firefighters and crews, who are working on the ground at incidents, is in safe hands as The Salvation Army provides on-site food and drink supplies as well as emotional support to 999 responders. 

Adrian Clee, Territorial Emergency Response Officer at The Salvation Army, said: “We think this is a real worthwhile investment as we look to continue working alongside Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service during what can be traumatic circumstances for their firefighters.

“We signed our first agreement just before COVID and have invested a lot of time and resources into purchasing the right vehicle to support Tyne and Wear crews when they need us the most.

“Our catering vehicle will be dispatched to major and prolonged incidents across the region with our volunteers giving out food and drink, and a listening ear if needed.”

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This vital renewed relationship with The Salvation Army is one part of the Service’s welfare package.

“The Salvation Army is a superb partner that provides essential and flexible welfare provisions at operational incidents for our operational crews. Supplies include much-needed food-on-the-ground and hydration facilities during some quite challenging situations.

“Their dedication and devotion to the community cause highly complements our diverse workforce.”

The emergencies can vary from prolonged incidents like wildfires through to short-term smaller fires in the community. 

The catering vehicle based in Tyne and Wear is one of twenty-seven similar vehicles that The Salvation Army has up and down the country to support several other blue light organisations.

Phil Sowerby, Head of Operations at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When The Salvation Army turns up to any of our major incidents, all of the firefighters know just how important they are, as crews are always grateful to the volunteers who serve out food and hot drinks. 

“The volunteers are a welcome sight, especially if the firefighters have been working hard and are looking for that little bit of respite after experiencing some difficult circumstances.  The food and drink provide sustenance to keep them going throughout the incident.”