THE GENERAL secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has urged firefighters from across Worcestershire and the local communities to help the organisation celebrate its centenary year in 2018.
Matt Wrack said it was an opportunity for everyone to look long down the road which had been travelled to celebrate the independent and democratic organisation’s history, as well as secure vital life-saving services for the future.
“We want to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the many firefighters, members of our union, who have given their lives in the line of duty and in the service of their communities over the last 100 years.
“We want to draw attention to the lessons of the many tragedies we have dealt with and the improvements to public safety which have often followed such tragedies.
“And we want to leave a legacy by building our ‘Firefighters 100 Lottery’ which is already doing valuable work to help firefighters and bereaved families and other victims of fire today.
“Over the next 12 months, we want to engage with as many people as possible about the history and work of the Fire Brigades Union.
“We are extremely proud of our legacy.
“By the end of this year, we hope you will be too.”
Among the items already organised for the FBU’s centenary year are Heat and Struggle – a documentary made by film makers InFocus which explores how the union has influenced and developed the UK fire and rescue service. The piece, narrated by Royle Family actor Sue Johnson, will be screened around the country throughout this year.
The Firefighters 100 website will be added on to the national Fire Brigades Union website to explore the union’s history. It will feature an interactive timeline where people will be able to find out about the union’s key moments and how it has changed.
It will also tell the stories of the most devastating fires and how the outcomes impacted on public safety and fire safety legislation.
There will also be a travelling exhibition making its way around the UK, various centenary publications created and regional events.
Readers who have firefighter or fire service memorabilia they want to share can email [email protected] or call 0208 541 1765.
Visit www.fbu.org.uk for more information.
