Cheshire firefighters and staff praised by HMICFRS inspectors for pandemic support

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has been praised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for its work supporting the local community during COVID-19.

The HMICFRS is commissioned by the Home Secretary to inspect how fire and rescue services across England responded to the crisis. Inspectors said they were impressed by how the service looked after the welfare of its staff, and the additional support it gave to the community during the first phase of the pandemic.

It also said how grateful it was for the positive and constructive way the service engaged with its inspection, and how very grateful it was to the service for the positive contribution it has made to its community.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin couldn’t be more proud of everyone at CFRS for their work supporting the people of Cheshire during this pandemic. He is delighted that HMICFRS holds the service is such high esteem and says the positive findings are  richly deserved.

He added: “Being the Chief Fire Officer for such an amazing organisation makes me proud every day but to hear HMICFRS inspectors praise the work we do just emphasises the incredible efforts we have been doing since the start of this pandemic.

“We are so lucky to have such great staff and that we are in such a good position to be able to provide this valuable help where it’s really needed in our community.”

Since the start of the pandemic, staff have been:
• delivering essential items to vulnerable people;
• fitting face masks and delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff and clinical care staff working with COVID-19 patients;
• transporting healthcare professionals who were taking pre-operation swab tests;
• transporting blood supplies, breast milk and COVID-19 antigen samples; and
• offering a safe and secure site for PPE supplies.

Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority Cllr Bob Rudd said: “Everyone at Cheshire Fire Authority is extremely proud to hear this outcome. This inspection shows the sheer dedication, determination and pride that everyone in all departments at CFRS has in the work they do.

“Every day I hear of something new that has been done by members of our staff to support local communities, our partner agencies and individuals and it’s truly incredible.

“The excellent leadership the service has ensures that staff feel well looked after and supported which is paramount to us and ensures the good work they do in the community will continue where it’s needed – it’s what we’ve come to expect from one of the best fire and rescue services in the country.”

The full HMICFRS report into CFRS can be viewed on our website (COVID-19 inspection: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service).

Pictured - Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service advocate Claire Moores supporting people in the community during the pandemic.