Alyn Smith MP and Evelyn Tweed MSP have welcomed efforts by local Stirling firefighters to keep communities across the constituency safe and informed. Mr Smith and Ms Tweed met and spoke with Group Commander Bryan Todd, Watch Commander Eddy Fotheringham and Ally Boyle MBE about their work and experiences.
In a visit to Stirling Fire Station, Mr Smith and Ms Tweed learned more about the extensive community work and consultation usually undertaken by local fire crews, in schools and other settings, to educate about the dangers of fire but also spread a sense of citizenship and community building.
Ally and Eddy have undertaken fundraising work for Blood Cancer UK, and have also worked with blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan in local schools to encourage pupils to find out more.
Fire related incidents including deliberate and accidental fires across the Stirling Area have seen a firm downward trend in recent years, although through the pandemic and associated lockdown period there has been a rise with 427 fires recorded in 2020-2021 compared to 331 in 2019-2020.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is currently running a public consultation, seeking views on their new long-term vision. It is open for responses until 18 July 2021: https://firescotland.citizenspace.com/sfrs-communications/sfrs-long-term-vision/
Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘I can’t thank Eddy, Ally and Bryan enough for the service they dedicate to our communities. They and their fellow firefighters have kept us safe in the most challenging of circumstances, and their passion for serving Stirling really shone through on our visit. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service do much more than simply tackling fires, and the community work carried out by them is truly invaluable. I very much look forward to working closely with local officials over the coming years as Stirling’s MSP.’
Alyn Smith MP said:
‘I’m always impressed with the passion and commitment our blue light agencies demonstrate, but in my opinion Ally, Bryan and Eddy exemplify the very values of public service that our modern-day Scotland was built on: kindness, compassion and duty. Their charity work is nothing short of outstanding, and their method of packaging community engagement within the wider theme of citizenship is brilliant. I wish them all well as they continue their work in keeping Stirling safe, and hope that our constituents will find time to fill in their consultation to inform future works.’
