Staffordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford laying a wreath at the memorial

A ceremony in Alrewas has seen hundreds of people from across the UK pay tribute to the work of firefighters.

Staffordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford laying a wreath at the memorial
Staffordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford laying a wreath at the memorial

The Annual International Service of Thanksgiving took place at the National Arboretum in Alrewas on Sunday.

The ceremony gave thanks to firefighters who protect communities at home and abroad, including those who are currently assisting with the rescue efforts in the wake of the earthquake in Nepal.

Staffordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: “Firefighters risk their lives on a daily basis in order to keep the communities that they serve safe.

“Their courage and dedication is an inspiration as they deal with major incidents such as wildfires that can destroy entire communities to house fires and road traffic collisions which threaten the lives of those involved.

“The Annual International Service of Thanksgiving is always an incredibly moving occasion where we say thank-you to serving crew members and take the time to remember and appreciate our colleagues who have sacrificed their own lives in order to help others.”

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