News

Local MP's Commons Tribute to Firefighter's Humanitarian Efforts

Gordon MP Richard Thomson has tabled a Motion in Westminster saluting the humanitarian efforts of firefighters involved in the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association (SERA).

Since 2007, SERA has delivered over 70 fully equipped fire appliances and ambulances to countries including Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Burundi and also provided training to hundreds of firefighters in those countries in the safe use and maintenance of the equipment.

Mr Thomson recently met with firefighters at Huntly Fire Station where a fire appliance was being refurbished ready to be driven to Ukraine, just the latest in a line of second-hand emergency vehicles which are recycled and made good for many more years of service.

Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said:

“The work carried out by the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association, which is run entirely by volunteers, is very important and particularly so in the work it has been doing in supporting firefighter colleagues in Ukraine at the moment with equipment, which they drive across Europe themselves to ensure its safe arrival.

“I very much appreciated the opportunity to meet with Mark Allan and Ian Hanson at Huntly Fire Station recently, where work was being completed on a second-hand appliance from Wales which is being taken out for use in Ukraine.

“It is therefore a pleasure to table a Motion at Westminster recognising SERA for the important work it does and commending the volunteers and firefighters who give so much of their time in this humanitarian endeavour.”

-ends-

Note: Photograph attached shows a fire appliance ready to go to Ukraine after refurbishing at Huntly Fire Station and Ian Hanson (l); Richard Thomson MP (centre); and Mark Allan (r).

Note: Text of Motion is as follows:

That this House recognises the humanitarian efforts of the Scottish Emergency Rescue Association (SERA) in delivering over 70 fully equipped fire appliances and ambulances to countries including Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Burundi over the past 14 years; notes SERA has trained hundreds of local firefighters in each of the host countries in order that they may safely use and maintain the equipment and vehicles provided; understands that SERA recycles and refurbishes second-hand emergency equipment, allowing it to be put to good use overseas; and commends the volunteers who work so hard arranging this and personally driving the equipment to its new home

• Press Release