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Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with a story on how two emergency services in Essex have collaborated to improve rescue dogs’ rope capabilities, enhancing emergency response in the county.
There’s also news that the UK veterinary sector is to be formally investigated following an initial review by the Competition and Markets Authority.
Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily to stay abreast of the latest goings on in the emergency services sector.
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Fire dogs get tactical training to improve rope rescue capabilities
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has teamed up with Essex Police Firearms Support dogs for an intensive training session aimed at enhancing the rope rescue capabilities of police dogs.
During the rigorous exercises, four Essex Police Firearms Support dogs were equipped with harnesses and carefully lowered through a hole with their handlers, simulating controlled descents through confined spaces. More via Emergency Services Times
Baroness Ruth Henig, former chair of the SIA, has passed away
Baroness Ruth Henig, former chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), has passed away
Ruth was SIA chair from January 2007 to January 2013. She was much admired by colleagues and played a key role in driving the SIA’s focus on greater public protection and better regulation. More via SIA
Fire union calls on employers to refuse to implement “authoritarian” strike ban
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on all fire service employers to refuse to implement the government’s new minimum service levels, condemning the legislation as a “draconian attempt to ban strikes”.
In a letter sent to all fire service employers in England, the FBU has warned that implementing work notices will “irreparably damage” industrial relations and threaten public safety. More via FBU
College of Policing launches new digital intelligence and investigation learning modules
The College of Policing has created new learning modules to support frontline officers, staff and volunteers to understand and respond to crimes with a digital element.
The new modules, which include cryptocurrency and connected vehicle, can be accessed through College Learn. More via College of Policing
London Fire Brigade completes Grenfell Inquiry first phase recommendations
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has completed all recommendations made to it by the first stage of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry as its chief fire officer said the change is “owed” to the bereaved and survivors of the tragedy.
London fire commissioner Andy Roe insisted the brigade’s response to an emergency like that of the 2017 west London blaze, in which 72 people died, would be “so different” today. More via Western Telegraph
Police chief says pylons pose a ‘serious risk’ to emergency services radio network
A proposal to install pylons over an 87 mile route pose a ‘serious risk’ to the operation of the county’s emergency services, says the police and crime commissioner.
Marc Jones has lodged an objection to the National Grid proposal citing fears of the impact of the pylons on the emergency services radio networks. More via Lincs Online
Veterinary sector to be formally investigated following CMA review
The UK veterinary sector will be the subject of a formal Market Investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) after an initial review by the latter identified “multiple concerns,” including pet owners being over charged for medicines. More via CMA
Myleene Klass partners with St John Ambulance as first celebrity ambassador
Musician and broadcaster, Myleene Klass has become the first celebrity ambassador for St John Ambulance, cementing her longstanding partnership with the organisation since the initiation of the ‘Ask Me’ brand campaign in 2021.
Collaborating on impactful public campaigns, Myleene aims to raise awareness about the crucial significance of community first aid and the pressing need for more individuals to acquire life-saving skills. More via Emergency Services Times
Ambulance trust on track to exit special measures
South East Coast Ambulance Service has said it is on track to be lifted out of special measures in May.
The organisation’s overall rating was downgraded from “good” to “requires improvement” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in 2022. More via BBC News
Fire station to close overnight despite concerns
Plans to close a fire station overnight will go ahead.
Wallsend Fire Station will be unstaffed from 18:00 to 08:00 despite concerns from local firefighters and politicians.
More than 1,600 people signed a petition warning the change could put lives at risk if response times are delayed. More via BBC News