Chief Fire Officer for a Day
Ashley Bennett and Jesmine Morris
are two in 11 Million - and to prove it they took over the local fire service
for day!
The project was part of a national campaign called "Takeover Day" to encourage the 11 Million children and young people in the country to see how the nation is run.
Across the UK youngsters were stepping up to takeover responsible jobs for a day and in Bedfordshire Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller and his Deputy Graeme Smith decided to allow two Luton lads a chance to see what it was like to run a fire and rescue service.
Ashley, aged 18, and Jesmine, aged 20, had something of a head start in knowing how the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) works. They had just completed a three day training session alongside firefighters as part of a Prince’s Trust project before getting into uniform like the top brass.
To kick off they met firefighters from Bedford Green Watch and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Vaughan Southgate at special event at Fire Headquarters in Kempston. Ashley had to make a thank you speech for the High Sheriff who had been visiting Headquarters himself to learn how BLFRS works.
Afterwards the "Chief and Deputy" took a closer look at a fire appliance at Kempston station, visited the nearby Fire Control where 999 calls are handled and discussed emergency response priorities as part of the Integrated Risk Management Planning undertaken by BLFRS.
The real Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller said: "We pride ourselves here at BLFRS on working as closely as possible with young people to help them understand the importance of fire safety in the community - and to encourage them to think about careers in the fire service. The Takeover Day added a new dimension to that work. "
More details on Takeover Day go to
www.childrenscommissioner.org/adult/index/cfm
or
Picture: left to right Deputy Chief Fire Officer Graeme Smith with Ashley and second from right Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller with Jesmine