Reflecting on 50 years of fire and rescue services; Unique fire helmets to be auctioned for charity

Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with a look back on fire and rescue services over the years, as many celebrate their 50th anniversaries.

There’s also a story on an art exhibition featuring unique, decommissioned fire helmets, which people can also bid on as part of a charity auction.

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Reflecting on 50 years of fire and rescue services

Similar to the milestone reached by police forces, many fire and rescue services are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Priya Rakkar reflects the journey of fire and rescue services from their origins to today. More via Emergency Services Times

March ‘busiest month on record’ for A&E departments

There were 2.35 million attendances in accident and emergency (A&E) departments across England in March – the highest since records began since August 2010.

The previous record was 2.29 million attendances in December 2022. More via Sky News

Met Police knew about Westminster ‘honeytrap’ messages last year

The Metropolitan Police was first made aware of suspicious messages targeting men at Westminster late last year – but did not warn MPs, the BBC has learned.

Many of those targeted in the alleged “honeytrap” scandal did not realise others had also been receiving messages until media reports in the past week. More via BBC News

New Assistant Chief Constable set to join Durham

An experienced detective who specialises in protecting vulnerable people is set to join Durham Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jon McAdam, currently Head of Crime with Lincolnshire Police, is to join the executive team over the next few months, at a date to be decided. More via Emergency Services Times

Unique fire helmets to be auctioned for charity

Decommissioned fire helmets will be seen in a whole new light next week when West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service pulls up the curtain on its Ashes to Art exhibition at Worthing Town Hall.

Attendees can view each piece of art up close and place a bid to win their favourite concept via the online auction which is being hosted on People Fundraising. More via West Sussex County Council

Met refers itself to police watchdog over handling of woman’s suspected murder

Scotland Yard has referred itself to the police complaints watchdog after a woman was found dead at a house near Hyde Park the morning after it received several reports from friends concerned about her welfare.

A murder investigation was launched after police forced entry to a property in Stanhope Place, near Marble Arch, central London, at about 8.30am on Monday and found the body of Kamonnan Thiamphanit. More via The Guardian

Firefighter jailed for buying guns says he was unfairly sacked by racist service

A firefighter who was caught by the police buying guns, ammunition and pepper spray online sued bosses from prison for racism – because they sacked him.

Tyrone Bahar alleged the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority was ‘institutionally racist’ for firing him in light of his criminal offences. More via Mail Online

Firefighters better equipped than ever to respond to wildfires in Scotland

Wildfires in Scotland are becoming larger in scale and burning for longer periods of time, according to records from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Wildfires require a more significant volume of emergency response and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is in the process of rolling out a package of specialised vehicles including ten all-terrain vehicles, ten additional 4×4 vehicles and four logistical support units. More via Emergency Services Times