Front row: Major Raelton Gibbs, Major Lynn Gibbs, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Peter Heath and Chief Superintendent Roddy Irvine.
Back row: Major Gillian Burns, Major David Burns, Major Ian Patrick and Envoy John Scott.
The Salvation Army has unveiled a new vehicle to respond to emergencies in the west of Scotland.
The Salvation Army has a long history of supporting communities in times of need and the vehicle will enable the organisation to continue providing on-site refreshments and emotional support to 999 crews.
Leaders of the church and charity joined members of the police, fire and rescue, and ambulance service to launch the distinctive red van.
Major Ian Patrick is the organisation’s emergency services officer. He is based in Glasgow and was part of The Salvation Army’s emergency response at Lockerbie, the Stockline factory blast in Maryhill and the Clutha helicopter crash in Glasgow. Major Ian said, “As a church and a charity we are here to provide practical and spiritual help to those in need. We see our support for emergency personnel and local communities at emergencies as a vital part of our work.”
Major Raelton Gibbs, the Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander in the west of Scotland, said, “The dedication of Salvation Army volunteers and officers in responding to emergencies is one of our assets. They are able to respond any time of the day or night to support the frontline work of our emergency services.
“The men and women of the emergency services often put their lives at risk so we look to do what we can to make their jobs easier.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Police Scotland, said, “We are delighted to work with the Salvation Army, who have provided support for many years to the emergency services during major incidents and emergencies.
“This new emergency response vehicle will be a key asset to the Salvation Army and will assist Police Scotland and other blue light services during times of need.”
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Peter Heath, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said, “The tradition and support given by the Salvation Army has been highly valued over many years. We look forward to continuing to work with the Salvation Army in support of community and firefighter safety.
