North East firms honoured for supporting on call firefighters

Three North East businesses have been honoured for supporting firefighters to keep communities safe.

Tesco in Fraserburgh, Huntly-based transport firm Shearer, and engineering firm Gray and Adams, from Fraserburgh, have all been thanked by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) for their commitment to assisting on call firefighters.

All three businesses employ workers who balance primary employment with work as on call firefighters with the SFRS.

On call firefighters respond to emergencies via a pager system. They train weekly and also take part in community engagement work.

Gray and Adams, in particular, have allowed 10 staff members over the past three decades to double as on call firefighters and attend emergencies as and when required.

All three firms have now been presented with gold awards in recognition of their commitment to public safety.

SFRS Area Commander Andrew Wright is Local Senior Officer for Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

He said: "The contribution made by these local businesses cannot be overstated.

"Their ongoing support bolsters the resilience of our operational response delivered by on call firefighters.

"I acknowledge and commend all of these businesses for their community spirit and public mindedness. 

"Their contribution deserves recognition and appreciation from us all.

"Together, we can continue to work together to make our communities safer."

The SFRS is looking to recruit on call firefighters in areas across Scotland.

You can find out more about the role and view current vacancies on our website.