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London Fire Brigade has celebrated more than six decades of stewarding at The Championships, Wimbledon, with around 180 members of staff volunteering each day to help welcome spectators and keep one of the world’s biggest sporting events running safely.
During the two-week Grand Slam tournament at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Brigade personnel from across the organisation volunteered as service stewards. The team included operational firefighters, fire safety inspectors, control room officers, fire investigators, volunteer fire cadet instructors and support staff, all giving their time on annual leave or days off.
Working alongside members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the Brigade’s role is to support the safety and wellbeing of players and spectators, helping to manage the movement of thousands of visitors around the venue during breaks in play.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Phil Morton, who oversees operational resilience and leads the Brigade’s involvement at Wimbledon, said the event had become a proud tradition for those who take part.
“This is a unique British sporting event and a chance for the Brigade to be part of a tradition witnessed by millions of people around the world. It is an honour to represent London Fire Brigade alongside colleagues from the armed forces.”
“The Brigade serves communities across London every day, but Wimbledon allows us to welcome visitors from across the UK and overseas. The atmosphere is fantastic and it has become a personal tradition every summer.”
For Station Officer Eddie Gonzales, based at Tooting Fire Station, this year’s Championships marked the end of a remarkable 28-year association with the event before his retirement.
Having first volunteered as a service steward in 1998, Gonzales has returned every year for the full tournament.
“Coming here has become part of my yearly calendar,” he said. “I’ve met colleagues from across the Brigade who I wouldn’t normally work alongside, and after all these years it feels like catching up with old friends. It’s been a privilege to be part of Wimbledon for so long.”
Among this year’s first-time volunteers was Control Officer Tirion Hobbs from the Brigade’s 999 Control Room.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people and being able to interact with members of the public face to face,” Hobbs said. “In my day job I’m speaking to people over the phone, so it’s been a completely different experience. I’ve also seen some fantastic tennis along the way.”
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