INFORMATIVEDECEMBER 2017 The quarterly bulletin of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service

AWARDS CEREMONY SHIFTING UP A GEAR ON CELEBRATIONS ROAD SAFETY staff and the community recognised supercharging our relationship with for their achievements young people who are learning to drive

SIGNING OF ARMED FORCES LOOKING OUT FOR CONVENANT THE ELDERLY joining Flintshire County Council in making recognising and reducing the risk of a commitment to support the Armed fires to older people in the community Forces Community

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk PREVENTING / PROTECTING / RESPONDING AWARDS CEREMONY CELEBRATES ACHIEVEMENTS

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Annual Awards Ceremony was held at Rhyl Community Fire Station in September to recognise and celebrate members of staff and the community who have worked hard to improve community safety in North Wales.

Eleven Community Awards were presented by Simon Smith, Chief Fire Officer, and Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority.

The winners were Outstanding Contribution by an Individual This award recognised a member of staff who regularly works above and beyond their normal duties. Two individuals received this award this year award – Peter Roberts, Watch Manager in charge of Betws y Coed Fire Station and Tommy Rolwands, Watch Manager in charge of Llanfairfechan and also a Rural Firefighter.

During the recent Retained Duty System The Community Safety recruitment campaign Peter was aware This year it was Harlech Fire Station Partner Award that a number of applicants for Betws staff who were recognised for providing y Coed and a neighbouring station had This award recognised the work of partner availability 99% of the time between not been successful in their written tests agencies or public bodies who work in June 2016 and May 2017, allowing so he arranged additional support and partnership with North Wales Fire and them to respond to emergency incidents requested appropriate literature and Rescue Service in their quest to deliver throughout Harlech and the surrounding signposting to assist. He also ran support vital community safety messages. area. and development sessions for potential It was awarded this year to Wrexham new staff and created study groups to set County Borough Council for the target Outstanding Contribution to up assessments, under appropriate exam hardening service for victims of hate Business Fire Safety Award conditions, to provide a realistic flavour of crime or domestic violence and to the an exam environment. This award recognised a member of staff Community Assistance Team for the within the business fire safety function Tommy assisted a number of retained non-injured falls pilot in Conwy and who regularly works above and beyond stations in improving their standards Denbighshire. their normal duties. following recent audits by the Professional Service Standards team. In particular, This year’s winner was Nigel Day who Station of the Year Award he assisted newly appointed managers recently retired as a compliance officer. on the stations by signposting them to This is awarded to the fire station that has Nigel would often go over and above the relevant information and going to carried out notable work during the last 12 the expected depth of investigation and visit them to provide practical face to months and has been recognised by the reporting to ensure the very best job would face support. Operations Department. be done, and always giving the very best of information and guidance.

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk // 2 Young Person of the Year set about organising various events to Thomas Plant is a firefighter in Colwyn Bay help raise awareness of this debilitating and also provides rural firefighting cover at This accolade was awarded to a young condition. His main challenge was to stations across North Wales. He took the person who has demonstrated extra cycle from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle award this year for suggesting the Service commitment this year - Ffion Williams, a in a day – a total of 180 miles which he invests in water purification equipment firefighter apprentice who showed great completed on the 12th of June. to wash appliances to prevent them from potential whilst working with the Phoenix being damaged by the hard mains water team. She was able to take part as an Contribution to the Welsh that is currently used to clean them. instructor on the course and was a great Language role model for the students. Six Long Service and Good North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Conduct Medals were presented to The Dedication to Service Award strives to promote the Welsh language members of staff by the Lord Lieutenant of across the Service and Heather Jones Andrew Ballard from Corwen, Wil Roberts Clwyd, Mr Harry George Fetherstonhaugh personifies this commitment. from Menai Bridge and Tommy Rowlands OBE. The medal is awarded to firefighters from Llanfairfechan were all presented As compliance officer in Gwynedd and by Her Majesty's Representative in with this award for their excellent Môn and a member of the Welsh Language recognition of 20 years service. commitment and providing extended Champions scheme, Heather undertakes service as members of the retained duty all aspects of her role bilingually, including The recipients were system for over 33 years. writing correspondence and reports in Dave Hughes Welsh, and encouraging others to do Learner of the Year the same. She regularly encourages Gavin Lowry colleagues to write short emails in Welsh This award went to Krzysztof Kosmala Michael Dymock and some have now progressed to writing in recognition of his commitment and more formal letters in Welsh. Jody McEachern determination towards learning Welsh. Krzysztof Kosmala is a firefighter Steve Dixon Employer of the Year apprentice at Colwyn Bay Fire Station Paul Ellams and made it his personal ambition to This award is all about recognising a improve his language skills since joining local employer who regularly releases Robin Jones the Service last year. His first language is staff to carry out firefighting duties in the Shane Price Polish, and he has since learnt English and community. Such employers are essential now Welsh, therefore Welsh is his third in assisting to keep fire appliances Helen Angel-Hayes language and he recently completed level available across North Wales. Jodie Hamilton 2 in Welsh. This year’s winner was Abersoch Land and Steven Roberts Sea who currently employ three members Outstanding Contribution of staff who respond to operational calls - Shoned Worsley to a Charity but over a twenty year period six members Nigel Williams Duncan Stewart Ball, Crew Manager at of staff have been released for operational incidents from the company. Rhyl Fire Station, was presented with Simon Smith, Chief Fire Officer also this award as he has worked tirelessly presented the Loyal Service award to Staff Suggestion Scheme Award throughout the year to raise money, giving Anwen Medlicott and Aled Thomas, who up large amounts of his own time so as to The staff suggestion scheme provides an completed forty years of service. benefit others. opportunity for employees to suggest new Duncan’s young daughter suffers with ideas or initiatives that will improve the diabetes and together with his wife he way in which services can be delivered more efficiently or effectively.

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk // 3 SHIFTING UP A GEAR ON ROAD SAFETY

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been supercharging dialogue between young people in Colwyn Bay who are learning to drive. Students from Coleg Llandrillo joined players from Rygbi Gogledd Cymru at the recent debut of the Service's newly branded Subaru engagement vehicle. Its purpose is to educate young drivers on the dangers of driving irresponsibly while appealing to those who have an interest in sports cars and racing. The car and its crew visited road safety events across the region to promote vital “Utilising the Subaru Engagement messages such as ‘Fatal 5’ and the higher Vehicle and virtual reality risks of being an RTC casualty as a young technology will help young person, encouraging conversation among drivers understand the tragic young drivers. consequences irresponsible Jane Honey, Deputy Head of Community driving can have. Safety, said: “Young people who receive their licences are gaining valuable “We look forward to working The newly branded Subaru will continue independence and driving represents a with young people across the to tour schools, colleges, workplaces and significant part of adulthood, but it also region with the help of the events in order to educate those who are comes with the responsibility of keeping newly branded vehicle, driving new on the road. themselves and other road users safe. home key messages about the importance of safety behind the wheel.”

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk // 4 SIGNING OF ARMED FORCES CONVENANT

North Wales Fire and Rescue the Flintshire Armed Forces Covenant. We background, who bring many valuable Service signed the Flintshire have an active and enthusiastic Steering and transferable skills to the through their Armed Forces Covenant recently Group and have made significant steps military training. to promote the Covenant and ensure at County Hall in Mold. employees and the public are aware of the By signing this covenant, the fire and needs of the Armed Forces Community. “Signing this covenant rescue service joins Flintshire County demonstrates our commitment Council in making a commitment to to upholding the key principles support the Armed Forces Community “We look forward to the fire involved and in working and in Flintshire. and rescue service becoming acting together with other an active partner and working partners in North Wales to The event was attended by representatives with us to promote awareness support the armed forces and its from the armed forces, council employees, of the Covenant, honour the wider community.” regional armed forces liaison officers and achievements of the Armed the council’s armed forces champion, Forces Community and make a Councillor Andy Dunbobbin. real difference to their lives.” The covenant is a commitment from the nation that members of the Armed Forces The covenant represents a firm community should face no disadvantage commitment by North Wales Fire and Chief Fire Officer Simon Smith said: “It compared to other citizens in the provision Rescue Service to support the armed was an honour to sign this agreement. Our of services and that special consideration forces and recognise the value of serving priority is to provide the best possible fire is appropriate in some cases, especially personnel – both regular members and and rescue service to the communities for those who have given the most. reservists, veterans and military families of North Wales, working to reduce the Flintshire County Council formally signed and their contribution to the nation. number of emergency incidents that the Covenant in July 2013. Speaking at the event, Councillor occur and responding to emergencies Dunbobbin, said: “Flintshire County when they happen. It is our dedicated and Council is delighted that North Wales Fire diverse workforce which allows us to do and Rescue Service is joining the other 18 this and we therefore recognise the value signatories and is pledging its support to of supporting employees from a military

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LOOKING OUT FOR THE ELDERLY

Staff took the opportunity at Due to health issues and living plan their safe exit and have regular the beginning of this month to arrangements, those aged over 65 are at a contact with neighbours and family. recognise and reduce the risk higher risk of dying in a house fire than any other age group. Furthermore, 41% of all Venue Cymru hosted a ‘Get Connected’ of fires to older people in North Wales house fires last year involved afternoon in partnership with Cartrefi the community. residents aged over 60. Conwy with bingo, live music and dancing. Connah’s Quay Civic Hall held ‘Let’s Various events in Llandudno, Predictions over the next 20 years suggest Celebrate Together- Again!’, an action Connah’s Quay and Bangor focussed that the number of over 65 year olds living group for over 50s and Caffi Hafan in on providing older members of the in the area will increase from 157,000 to Bangor promoted keeping well in winter. public an opportunity to learn valuable 213,000 (35%). safeguarding lessons. The events represented important These statistics represent a significant activities that people could enjoy whilst This was part of the Service’s celebration demand increase in the coming years, and learning more about keeping safe in their on International Day of Older People 2017, in order to minimise the impact on future homes and community. acknowledging the value of older people, emergency responders, it is becoming as well as the challenges of an ageing more important than ever that older population in North Wales. people know how to check smoke alarms,

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk // 6 COMBATING THE DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE – THE SILENT KILLER

A partnership between Wales Paul Scott, Head of Community Safety, Sarah Hopkins, People and Engagement and West Utilities and North said: “We’re proud to be working with Director at Wales & West Utilities said: “As Wales Fire and Rescue Service is Wales and West Utilities to help ensure a values-based business we’re keen to people have information to keep them work with partners that share our way of helping to raise awareness of the as safe as possible from the dangers of doing things and our priorities of customer dangers of carbon monoxide. carbon monoxide. service and safety, so we’re delighted to be working with North Wales Fire and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is Rescue Service. now working in collaboration with Wales "Carbon monoxide poisoning can and West Utilities, the gas emergency be fatal or cause permanent and pipeline service across North Wales, damage to your health. The gas is “We recently met the exacting to promote the support available produced when carbon fuels don't British Standard 18477 for our to residents. burn completely - it has no smell work in supporting vulnerable As part of its ‘Safe and Well’ visits, North or taste and, in large quantities, it customers but there is always Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be can kill very quickly. more we can do, and partnerships providing key information on how to keep are a key way we can help deliver yourself and your family safe from this "By ensuring that all fuel burning for those who need us most silent killer, carbon monoxide. appliances and associated right across the communities flues are maintained and we serve.” Staff will also be able to signpost to serviced in accordance with the other schemes operated by Wales and manufacturer's instructions, West Utilities to help those most in need, chimneys are swept and including signing people up to the Priority inspected regularly and that an Services Register, connecting them to audible CO alarm is fitted, we the gas network through the Warm Home can help protect ourselves and Assistance scheme and installing Gas our families from the dangers of Isolation Valves to help older people stay carbon monoxide." in their homes for longer.

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk // 7 BONFIRE DISPLAYS GO OFF WITH A BANG Staff from across the Service worked in partnership with North Wales Police to support the BANG campaign over the Halloween and bonfire period.

The Be A Nice Guy campaign is aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and making North Wales a safe place at this time of year.

The Service funded a number of diversionary activities across North Wales as well as supporting the work of firefighters to arrange or assist at organised bonfire displays across the region.

Kevin Roberts, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: "Safety at this time of year is the responsibility of us all. We cannot over emphasise that the best way to reduce the number of injuries during bonfire celebrations is by attending organised events. They are the safest type of displays, have the best facilities and offer the best value for money.

“Bonfire celebrations can cause an increase in anxiety for senior citizens and pet owners, so attending community events helps reduce this distress. I am pleased that we were able to support so many local events during this time in both diversionary events and organised displays.” COOKING SAFETY CAMPAIGN WINNER ANNOUNCED Shoppers across Anglesey Mr Trevor Jones, from Penmynydd, and Gwynedd were given the Anglesey won the competition opportunity to take part in our and was presented with a £100 supermarket vouchers cooking safety competition by Cameron Owen, Community recently as part of the on-going Safety Apprentice. campaign to reduce kitchen fires which has visited all counties of North Wales over the last 18 months.

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk // 8 STUDENTS TOP OF THE

CLASS FOR FIRE SAFETY

Fire and rescue service staff have been engaging with students during September as part of a student safety campaign.

Representatives visited Freshers Fairs at both Bangor and Glyndŵr Universities where students took part in a short safety quiz and received a free highlighter pen promoting the Service’s social networking sites. The Service is also working with staff from both universities to educate them about fire safety and drive down false alarms, as well as targeting potentially vulnerable students in private rented accommodation. “Many of these young people are Paul Scott, Head of Community Safety, living away from home and their said: “The Freshers Fairs were extremely parents for the first time and are busy and we spoke to hundreds of potentially very vulnerable. students about the importance of fire safety, sharing our tips to keep them safe. “Our messages were promoted We’ve also been giving advice on how to on social media - encouraging avoid false alarms at the halls of residence students to like and share our – we have been working in partnership Facebook posts and to follow us with both universities on this issue on Twitter and Instagram for even for a number of years and we’ve seen more fire safety advice.” considerable progress.

www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk // 9