Emergency services personnel from across the Isle of Wight have been honoured for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifice during a special ceremony outside County Hall in Newport.
Representatives from the Island’s emergency services joined civic leaders, councillors and invited guests to mark national Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, this morning (Wednesday).
The ceremony began at 09:00 with the raising of the official 999 Day flag, followed by a 2-minute silence in memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of others.
Emergency Services Day recognises those working and volunteering across the NHS, police, fire and rescue, ambulance, coastguard, lifeboat and search and rescue services.
Councillor Ian Dore, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, used the occasion to reflect on times his own family had relied upon emergency responders, including a serious medical emergency earlier this year.
He said:
“Emergency Services Day gives us an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to helping others, often in the most difficult and challenging circumstances.
“Earlier this year, as my family faced a considerable medical emergency in the middle of the night, I witnessed first-hand the compassion, skill and reassurance that emergency responders bring at times of great distress.
Article continues below this advertisement “Like so many people across the Island, I have seen the difference these services make.”
Cllr Dore highlighted the work of paramedics, firefighters, lifeboat and coastguard crews and police officers, describing their shared commitment to helping others as ‘unwavering’.
He added:
“On behalf of the Isle of Wight Council and our residents, I would like to thank every member of our emergency services and the many volunteers who support them.
“They are deeply valued, greatly respected and deserving of our sincere gratitude.”
Victoria White, Director of Ambulance at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said the work carried out by emergency services can be challenging and emotionally demanding.
She said:
“Every day, our teams continue to show up with professionalism, compassion, and dedication, supporting people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
“Emergency Services Day gives us an opportunity to recognise not only the vital role of our emergency services, but also the individuals who make them possible.”
Wendy Perera, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Council, also paid tribute to professionals and volunteers who work to keep communities safe, saying their commitment and compassion makes a difference to residents and visitors.
Among those represented at today’s ceremony were Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, HM Coastguard, RNLI and WightSAR.
Emergency Services Day is marked annually across the UK to recognise emergency service personnel and volunteers, remember those who have lost their lives in service and raise awareness of their work.
