By Thomas Nichol
The National Fire Chiefs Council is calling for firefighters to wear body cams, in a bid to help end attacks on firefighters.
For firefighters on Bonfire Night, having bricks thrown at them and being on the receiving end of fireworks is an all too common occurrence. Now the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is calling for firefighters to start wearing body worn cameras, similar to those used by the police, to help prosecute offenders.
In a video produced by the NFCC, fire crews reveal shocking footage and first-hand accounts of when they have come under both physical and verbal attack.
Between 2015 and 2020, there were over 3,800 attacks on firefighters. This year alone there have been around 950 recorded attacks on firefighters in England and Scotland. This figure does not include Bonfire Night, which saw a sharp increase in attacks. These attacks have a severe impact on the physical and mental health of firefighters, as well as potentially delaying them from responding to other emergencies. The problem has gotten so bad that in some areas of the country, firefighters can no longer attend certain types of fire without a police escort.
In a statement on the NFCC website, Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service and NFCC Chair of Operations, said “I am disgusted that firefighters are being attacked when trying to protect the communities they service; ultimately saving lives. We need to see custodial sentences handed out - it is clear we need a deterrent which makes people think twice. These mindless attacks are abhorrent; if one or two members of staff are injured on a shift, this can result in fire appliances having to be taken off the road while other staff are called in. This leaves communities at risk if there is a major incident”.
In a statement on their Facebook page, Paul Hedley, Chief Fire Officer of Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service said “On the off-chance that any of the individuals responsible for the ASB [anti-social behaviour] become aware of this post I’d like to make them an offer. Once Covid-19 restrictions allow, why not visit your local fire station. Meet the amazing people you were abusing. Learn what they do for you and your families. Be totally impressed at the skills they have. Listen to what they do to protect your community. Listen to their stories. After that I’m convinced you’ll see them as people not targets”.
Prison sentences have now been increased from 12 to 24 months for attacking an emergency worker. However, attacks still continue. It is hoped that a rollout of body worn cameras, alongside the CCTV equipment already on fire appliances, will help to bring more offenders to justice and serve as a deterrent to those involved.
You can watch the video produced by the NFCC, featuring firefighters from various brigades including Northumberland and Tyne & Wear, below.
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