Lancashire’s county councillors have paid tribute to the work of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
At the full council meeting on Thursday, July 15, all councillors backed a motion thanking the service for the invaluable contribution that they have made, and continue to make.
Throughout the pandemic, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) staff have taken on a range of additional duties to support the national effort to fight coronavirus.
Read more: Councillor asking Preston parents to have ‘patience and be kind’ as school isolations increase
This has included coordinating the distribution of PPE supplies to health care settings, fitting face masks for frontline NHS and care staff, and providing digital education and support to children and young people, some of whom were incredibly vulnerable and isolated during the pandemic.
LFRS has also supported the vaccination programme, working at vaccination sites seven days a week in marshalling and vaccinator roles.
They have assisted in the delivery of nearly 400,000 vaccinations so far, with 43,000 of these administered by LFRS staff.
Read more: Prestonians being urged to use their ‘common sense’ as Covid restrictions ease from July 19
County Councillor Barrie Yates, chairman of Lancashire County Council, said: “We’re so proud of our brave firefighters, volunteer firefighters and staff for the crucial role they have played during the pandemic.
“They provided invaluable support to other emergency services – assisting vulnerable people and NHS staff – in addition to carrying out their usual duties.
“During this time, they have also carried on responding to emergencies, including dealing with a major incident involving multiple wildfires, widespread flooding, a bonfire period with increased risk of fires and injuries across the county, multiple large-scale fires, and a devastating gas explosion.
“Everyone in Lancashire is so grateful to them for their hard work, dedication and the difference they have made and continue to make here in our great county.”
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
Are you proud of all LFRS have done during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments below.