More kit to help protect fire fighters after sickening attacks

New fire engines and even more body cams to tackle attacks are on the shopping list for emergency services chiefs in Tyne and Wear.
Chief Fire Officer Chris LowtherChief Fire Officer Chris Lowther
Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther

Four vehicles are currently being prepared to enter service in the region, with bosses promising 10 more by the end of March in 2021 and the prospect of more to come.

But while new kit will be welcome for crews on the ground, they are also expecting a delivery of new safety devices after a spate of attacks on firefighters.

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“This authority provided body worn cameras to all frontline fire engines some time ago and we’re now looking to extend that,” said Peter Heath, assistant chief fire officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

“Many people have been lobbying hard on the scourge which is attacks on emergency services workers.

“Body-worn cameras are there for the protection of our staff.”

Heath, who joined the service in January, was speaking at a meeting of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube.

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In one incident, in Hendon, crews were pelted with stones by children as young as 10 while trying to extinguish a fire which had been started deliberately.

Investment in vehicles, cameras and even a new ‘Wellness and Fitness Advisor’ is expected to be mostly funded by savings built up over the last 10 years, when the services was also forced to make cuts in the face of reduced public funding.

Heath admitted the brigade is ‘not immune’ to the impact of COVID-19, the latest looming financial challenge, but insisted public safety was dependent on future planning and investment.

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“There is no money being invested – this is the result of the hard work of the authority and officers,” said Chief Fire Officer Chris Lowther.

“Funding is an issue and I’m lobbying the government with a strong case on the resources needed to make our service fit for purpose.”

He added: “I can’t promise I won’t come back in the future and say we’re facing cuts, but this is based on what we have today.”

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