You lads and all our emergency services are the very backbone of any society that has the temerity - or in the case of this present Tory mob, the bloody bare-faced cheek! - to call itself civilised. Great personal commitment and absolute valour when that brown stuff hits the spinning thing and the balloon goes up. Thanks a million to you all Albie.
I second that Johnno.
Over the years I have met many fire service people, socially and professionally, and have even had family in the service. The overwhelming impression I have gained from these contacts is one of of absolute professionalism, and dedication. I was told why by a retired officer. Every time there is a shout, they go to it not knowing what they will be up against, but they never back down. To do that they are trained thoroughly, and practice constantly. When they tackle a job, they are part of a team. The team depend on each other for their lives. That is no exaggeration, it is how it is. That is why it is so despicable when politicians of any shade look to denigrate these people, with bullshit canards about them having 4 jobs and retiring at 40. All because the want to 'save money'.
(As an aside. At Hillsborough, SYP and SYAS were there from the outset. But if you look through the statements of witnesses, it was only when the Fire Service arrived that any organised response took place, and leadership was shown.)
