Fire service at New Brighton

Press, 23 February 1978, Page 16

Fire service at New Brighton

Sir — I was interested to read Senior Fireman P. A. Stanley’s comments regarding our local volunteer fire brigade in his report to the Fire Services Commission on behalf of the Fire Brigades Union (“The Press,” February 21). He disparagingly refers to the volunteers as “part-time amateurs,” and deplores their lack of training, claims officers are elected on a basis of popularity, and implies a danger to life and property in New Brighton because of their lack of ability. Because of the large number of fire calls attended, some of these men have more fire experience than many of their paid counterparts. They have regular and skilled training, their officers are selected on ability and experience, not just popularity, and they are commanded by a dedicated and skilled chief officer. Volunteers don’t strike. —

Yours, etc., FRANK WALMSLEY. February 21. 1978.

Sir, — I live close to the New Brighton fire station and would like to reassure Mr Stanley that I do not consider the firemen amateurs or untrained. On seeing them train, I would say they are more dedicated than the men who are getting paid for it. Perhaps Mr Stanley should ask the wives how much time is spent by the men in bettering themselves. The day that New’ Brighton has a permanent staff is coming, but Senior Fireman Stanley does little credit to himself by trying to rubbish a brigade that has excelled itself in bringing service to the public. — Yours, etc.,

(Mrs) J. JOHNSON. February 21, 1978.