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Firefighters, Control Officers, Fire Safety Inspecting Officers and other London Fire Brigade staff are celebrating 60 years of volunteering as service stewards at the Wimbledon Championships.
The main role for Brigade staff at the Championships is to ensure public safety, as well as guiding spectators to and from their seats during breaks in play. They can apply to volunteer on their days off or use their annual leave.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Phil Morton, who leads the service steward group on behalf of the Brigade, said: “Wimbledon is the crown jewel of the tennis world, and it’s such a huge honour for the Brigade to be represented here.
“Coming to these hallowed green grass tennis courts is a fantastic opportunity for all our staff to work with colleagues from across the Brigade and the Armed Forces. All our stewards have completed anti-terrorism training and hold first aid certificates, to ensure we’re ready and prepared to keep Londoners safe.”
Station Officer Jeanetta Edwin manages the Brigade’s service stewards on Court 3 and has been volunteering for 18 consecutive years at Wimbledon. She’s due to retire after this year’s tournament, after 27 years’ service in the Brigade.
“It’s such a privilege to be here representing London Fire Brigade and to play my part in providing a world-class event. Every summer it’s like being reunited with one big happy family. Growing up, I played tennis at secondary school, so I love the sport, but I particularly love being here to keep the public safe and working with my dedicated team of Brigade stewards who are all involved in successfully delivering this highly prestigious event year after year.”
Barking Leading Firefighter Rebecca Draper and her father, Harold Hill Leading Firefighter Darren Draper were both stewards on No. 1 Court this year. Rebecca said: “I love it here! It’s great to work as a team with other Brigade staff and to see everyone dressed smartly representing the Brigade.”
“I’ve watched the tennis on the small screen at home so it’s great to be here and see the tennis in person while meeting all sorts of people from across London and so many countries around the globe. It’s so nice to see our international visitors get behind their nation’s tennis players. They’re so passionate about the game and it just adds to the very special atmosphere in and around the tennis courts.”
Darren Draper
For some, like Brigade’s Assistant Control Commander, Mackenzie King, who volunteered for the third time this year, the Championships are a key chance to meet their colleagues as well as the public – being based in the Control Room means she often only speaks to firefighters on the phone.
From seasoned volunteers like Station Officer Jeanetta Edwin to new faces continuing the tradition, Brigade staff bring professionalism, public safety expertise, and a strong sense of camaraderie to one of the UK’s most iconic sporting events. Their presence not only supports the smooth running of the tournament but proudly showcases the dedication and community spirit that defines the Brigade year-round.
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