Following the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Salvation Army, a new welfare unit has arrived at Woking Fire Station to support firefighters during incidents.
The new MOU between both organisations will see the unit introduced to the service’s support for crews when dealing with large-scale incidents.
The unit, in the form of a catering van, is now available 24/7 and based at Woking Fire Station to support firefighters in their emergency response at larger incidents. When attending call outs for an extended time, crews will be able to request support from The Salvation Army, who will then be on hand to provide welfare provisions, including food, hot drinks and handwashing facilities.
The service is committed to boosting welfare provisions available to crews when dealing with larger incidents. In the last 18 months, they have made several improvements to provisions available to teams during longer call-outs, and the welfare unit for Woking is the latest addition.
Jon Simpson, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said: “Looking after the welfare needs of our firefighters during larger and protracted incidents is vital. This new MOU, alongside existing welfare arrangements, will enhance our provisions for crews and will make a real difference when responding to emergencies. I’d like to thank the Salvation Army for making this possible with the new Memorandum of Understanding.”
Adrian Clee, National Emergency Response Officer for The Salvation Army said: “We’re pleased to be supporting Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding, we’re able to provide essential provisions to firefighters when they need them the most, allowing them to continue with their emergency response.
“The Salvation Army provides welfare support for a large and growing number of Fire and Rescue Services across the UK and we are delighted to be partnering with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to support their teams on the ground at larger and protracted incidents.”
Notes to editors
- Further improvements to welfare provisions include:
- Portable Hygiene Unit and Welfare Support Unit at Chertsey Fire Station
- Renewed arrangements with our Rapid Relief Team
- Cool Boxes for appliances
- Ensuring Flexi Duty Officers carry a purchasing card to buy provisions
Surrey News 
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