10:10am Thursday 4th February 2010
BUSINESSES that support the fire service by releasing staff during emergencies are being recognised.
Certificates of thanks are being handed to firms who are flexible when retained firefighters are called on to help out.
Yesterday (tue) fire chiefs met bosses from CAV Aerospace in Consett to thank them for allowing Michael Dixon time off when he is needed.
Mr Dixon, 46, from Consett, has been a retained firefighter for ten years.
Paul Wanless, County Durham and Darlington Fire and rescue Service’s retained liaison manager said: "Sixty per cent of our front line appliances are staff by retained firefighters.
"We could not run the team without them. They are invaluable.
"We are presenting these certificates to firms who help us as a way of saying thanks."
A total of 15 companies in the county are being presented and the service is currently looking for more retained firefighters.
Anyone interested in finding out more can call Mr Wanless on 0191-332-4299.
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