Special guests bring force to North East Emergency Response Vehicle

The force was with The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Vehicle which had some special guests serving up hot drinks to members of the public. 

Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper from Star Wars helped Salvation Army volunteers as they served refreshments as part of the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Open Day. 

The church and charity’s Emergency Vehicle provides refreshments and emotional support to 999 workers during incidents. When not attending emergencies, the vehicle can be seen out in the community supporting members of the public offering drinks, food and a friendly face. 

Over the summer holidays, the vehicle gave out hundreds of free lunches to help ease the financial pressure on families, including at community events held in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. They also gave out free hot dogs to more than 200 families at the launch of the Hendon Community Safety Hub in Sunderland, which brings services and community groups under one roof to help improve the local area for residents. 

Julie Judson, Salvation Army Chaplain and Deputy Emergency Response Co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in the North East, said: “The North East England Emergency Vehicle has attended a number of events over the past few weeks, including the Community Safety Hub Launches at Hendon. We provided hot and cold drinks, hot dogs for over 200 families along with a cake decorating activity. 

“Earlier this month, we also attended the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Open Day, providing food and refreshments for those attending. It was a fantastic day with lots of fun activities for the family from trampolines, face painting and an opportunity to see a variety of emergency vehicles up close. 

“There were also some special guests – Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper, who while out looking for Luke, took time out to meet our team and serve drinks from the vehicle!

“We are grateful for the support of our officers including Majors David and Meshiel Brown from Sunderland Citadel Corps and volunteers Brian Wicker from Sunderland Millfield, Beverley and John Nichol from Bedlington church, and others who attended. 

“As well as the Emergency Vehicle being on hand to support 999 workers in often high pressure and extreme conditions, we also attend community events like this which are an important opportunity to connect with and support local families from across our region, sharing with them the work The Salvation Army does and encouraging them to visit their local church, as well as making connections with partner agencies.”

The Emergency Vehicle is one of twenty-seven similar vehicles that the church and charity has up and down the country to support several other blue light organisations.