The Isle of Wight has paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of emergency services personnel at a special flag raising event held this morning (Tuesday outside Newport’s County Hall.
Marking national Emergency Services Day – also known as 999 Day – the event brought together civic leaders, councillors, and representatives from the Island’s emergency services to honour the nearly two million people who serve across the NHS, police, fire, ambulance, and search and rescue services in the UK.
At precisely 09:00, the 999 Day flag was raised by Andrew Woodford of the Isle of Wight Coastguard, followed by a two-minute silence to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Ian Dore, led the ceremony and offered words of thanks and remembrance. He also shared a number of personal experiences, further highlighting the value and support offered to the emergency services.
He said:
“Today we stand united in gratitude for the bravery and commitment of our emergency services. Their work often goes unseen, but it is never unappreciated. This flag is a symbol of our respect and our enduring thanks.
“Whether responding to a major incident or offering support in everyday emergencies, these men and women show unwavering courage and professionalism. They are the backbone of our communities — always ready, always willing, and always there when we need them most.
Article continues below this advertisement “It is right that we pause to reflect, to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to thank those who continue to serve with such dedication. On behalf of the Isle of Wight Council and our residents, I offer heartfelt thanks to every member of the emergency services.”
The event was attended by a wide range of dignitaries and emergency service representatives, including Mrs Caroline Peel DL representing the Isle of Wight Lieutenancy, High Sheriff Jacqueline Gazzard, Chief Inspector Andy MacDonald of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Louise Walker from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Ambulance Service, Sean Harrison of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and representatives from Cowes RNLI, WightSAR, and the SS Independent Lifeboat.
Also present were MP West representative Max Nicol, vice-chair of the council Councillor Vanessa Churchman, and Isle of Wight Council chief executive Wendy Perera. Emergency Services Day is held annually to promote awareness and appreciation of the work carried out by emergency personnel and volunteers across the UK.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has said:
“Police officers and staff do an incredibly difficult job in ever challenging circumstances. I am immensely proud of the work and the service provided by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
“On National Emergency Services Day, I want to thank all of them for their dedication, commitment, and the personal sacrifices they make every day to help others.
“Together, the new Chief Constable and I want to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight one of the safest places to live, work and visit. Our aim is clear: to drive up charge rates, protect our communities, improve support for victims of crime and get more Local Bobbies out on the beat.
“As Commissioner I am providing the force with investment in areas which enable a better public service, and I am supporting the Chief by opening more police stations and recruiting more officers.
“Our residents deserve the best of British policing; a modern police force rooted in tradition.
“But on this National Emergency Services Day, I want to thank all of our emergency services for their dedication, including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, His Majesty’s Coastguard, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff as well as our Constabulary.”
National 999 Day was founded in 2016 and celebrates the work of the UK’s estimated 2 million emergency service workers and volunteers. The day is officially supported by HM The King, HRH The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister.
