Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service signs Armed Forces Covenant

Ahead of Armed Forces Day taking place on Saturday (25 June), Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support military personnel past and present.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure those who serve, or have previously served in the Armed Forces, and their families are treated fairly.

The covenant was signed on Monday (20 June), at the service's headquarters in Pirehill, near Stafford.

Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, signed the pledge alongside Phil Sinclair, Regional Employer Engagement Director (West Midlands) at the Ministry of Defence.

Rob said: “Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to support the UK's military community and by signing the covenant, we have pledged our commitment to its principles.

"We recognise the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our organisation and to our country.

“We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, including providing support around the employment of veterans, support our employees who are members of the Reserve Forces, support national events (Armed Forces Day, Poppy Appeal Day and Remembrance activities) and support Armed Forces charities with fundraising.”

The service will also offer all ex-service veterans within Staffordshire the option to have a free ‘Safe and Well Visit.’

As part of the visit, fire crews will provide free smoke alarms where required, subject to availability and individuals’ eligibility.