A leading UK politician has praised staff at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), after visiting their headquarters to learn how they are keeping children safe. On Wednesday, August 17, 2022, the UK Shadow Education Minister, Bridget Phillipson MP, visited the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to discover more about their educational input into their community.
The Chief Fire Officer at the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), Chris Lowther spent time with Ms. Phillipson discussing the work that his fire service does in the community to educate the next generation. That includes how they use diversionary tactics such as a Fire Station Community Boxing Hub to keep youngsters off the streets.
Combat anti-social behavior and deliberate fire setting
Bridget Phillipson was treated to a demonstration by TWFRS Fire Cadets, at their Washington HQ
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service believe that these vital educational opportunities across their area help combat anti-social behavior and deliberate fire setting. After speaking to senior leaders about the challenges they are facing, Bridget Phillipson was treated to a demonstration by TWFRS Fire Cadets, at their Washington HQ.
Chris Lowther has thanked the Shadow Minister, who is also the MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, for her visit. He said “It was a great opportunity to speak to Ms. Phillipson about how we are working with young people to make our community safer. There are a number of fantastic programs here in Tyne and Wear and our staff are doing some great work to positively impact young people’s lives.”
UK Shadow Education Minister visits TWFRS HQ
Chris Lowther adds, “It has been a great opportunity to show Ms. Phillipson first-hand how education and youth intervention is a key part of what the fire service do. I am proud to share our engagement story with Ms. Phillipson as I know that staff at TWFRS will always go the extra mile for our community.”
He continues, “I want to thank our cadets as well for their excellent demonstration of their firefighting skills, it’s a testament to their hard work and great attitude that our guest was so impressed. I want to thank the shadow minister for taking the time to learn more about the work we do.”
TWFRS offers multiple divisionary programs
I’m very grateful to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for organizing the visit"
Speaking of her visit, UK Shadow Education Minister, Bridget Phillipson MP, said “I’m very grateful to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for organizing the visit. They are doing genuinely impressive work with young people from across our region.”
She adds, “Young people need to leave education ready for work and ready for life, and the fantastic programs the Fire and Rescue Service run are good for young people, good for our fire service, and good for all our safety.”
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) offer a number of divisionary programs, including the Prince Trust ‘Team’ program, their fire cadets, the Phoenix program, and Juvenile Firesetter Educational Program (JFEP).