East Renfrewshire's tribute on National Emergency Services Day

Today (Sunday, September 9) is National Emergency Services Day.

Tribute are paid to dedicated emergency services workers, including fire and rescue, police and ambulance service personnel, who protect and keep communities safe.

The event, also called 999 Day, takes place on September 9, beginning at 9am – to represent the 9th hour of the 9th day of the 9th month.

In East Renfrewshire, the council has raised a flag to mark Emergency Services Day and honour our communities’ unsung heroes. The flag will continue to be flown until tomorrow.

Provost Jim Fletcher said: “This event gives the whole of East Renfrewshire an opportunity to mark the hard work and contributions of our emergency services colleagues – past and present – who risk their lives on a daily basis, working tirelessly to care for us and ensure our local area is a safe place to live, work and enjoy.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chief Officer Alasdair Hay marked the day by extending his thanks to all the women and men working throughout the United Kingdom for their “extraordinary” commitment.

He said: “I am delighted to mark National Emergency Services Day which provides me with a real opportunity to highlight the outstanding efforts of our own Scottish Fire and Rescue Service family.

“This includes frontline crews, control firefighters and professional support staff, all pulling together each and every day to keep our communities safe.

“But this would not be possible without our partners within Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, and all those other outstanding organisations who step up when we are called upon to assist, and sometimes in the very darkest hours.

“This is a close partnership here in Scotland and one that is replicated right across the UK. I am indeed humbled by the efforts of all of my emergency service colleagues.”