Emergency services on show at 999 day in Manchester

As The Salvation Army plays an important role in supporting the Emergency Services, a team attended the event in one of the Church and charity's emergency services vehicles. Outside London, the Salvation Army’s North West team responds to the most number of incidents and in April this year attended its 1000th incident in 14 years.

Major Nigel Tansley who, last year, received an MBE for his work supporting emergency services, coordinates The Salvation Army’s emergency response teams across the North West.  

Major Nigel, said: “The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response team plays a key role in supporting the emergency services particularly when attending an incident. As soon as we get the call from the emergency services we load up our vehicle with hot drinks, snacks and sandwiches and get there as soon as we can. 

“In addition to keeping emergency services personnel fed and watered we’re also on hand to provide pastoral support to anyone affected by the incident. This could be offering support to someone who has lost everything in a fire, or a member the emergency services team who has witnessed a tragedy.

“Today’s a great opportunity for people to get a glimpse into the work of the emergency services across our region and we’re delighted to be involved.”

Major Nigel and his team played a key role in supporting local people and emergency services during the floods that affected the North West over Christmas and New Year 2015/2016.

Since April this year Major Nigel’s team have supported emergency services across the North West at more than 35 incidents and served approximately 1000 chocolate bars, along with countless cups of tea and hot food.

As well as providing support at incidents, Major Nigel has also been Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s lead chaplain for more than 14 years. 

During the 999 event, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were joined by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and a range of other emergency response, community safety and support services.

Paul Argyle, Deputy County Fire Officer, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service: “The Salvation Army have provided invaluable support, fed, watered and cared for us for many years and they are always a welcome, friendly face for crews at incidents –no matter what the time or day.

“In April 2016 Major Nigel Tansley MBE, emergency services response team attended their landmark 1000th incident at a fire in Dukinfield.

“The Salvation Army provides a range of food and drink for firefighters and other responders in particular, 24/7 at any incident we request them to come and support us at.

“It’s great to have them supporting us again this year at the Emergency Services Day at intu Trafford Centre.”

For more than 150 years The Salvation Army has been transforming lives and continues to do so today in communities across the UK and throughout the world.