Members of the St John Emergency Ambulance Service have joined ‘blue light’ colleagues to mark Emergency Services Day.
Police, fire, ambulance and coastguard representatives held a two-minutes silence on Thursday 9th September to remember their colleagues who have died or been injured during their work. The ceremony took place at 9am on the ninth day of the ninth month (9-9-9) on the forecourt of the Guernsey Police Headquarters.
The 999 Day flag was also flown at the St John ambulance station on the Rohais, the fire station at the Arsenal and at the police station.
Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “999 Day is an opportunity to thank all of Guernsey’s blue light services for the work they do all year round. I would particularly like to thank the team at the Emergency Ambulance Service for their dedication and professionalism.
“During the past 18 months we have had the added challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic and today is also an opportunity to thank the St John volunteers who set-up the decontamination team to deep clean our ambulances and the members of the public who have supported us in other ways”. 
Ruari Hardy, Head of Law Enforcement, said: “Our Blue Light services demonstrate the true meaning of public service to our community and the 999 Day provides an opportunity for reflection not only for those who serve but those who have served both here in Guernsey and across the UK. Celebrating the hard work of all of our staff across the Bailiwick’s emergency services is very important. Each and every one of our team have gone above and beyond in their normal duties to help keep the community safe and secure both from normal risks and threats but also the pandemic. I am pleased we are able to host this annual short ceremony today and I would seek to pass my thanks to all the staff serving across Bailiwick Law Enforcement and the other services represented.”
Thursday 9th September has been designated as national Emergency Services Day (or 999 day) in the UK and is supported by HM The Queen, HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, the Prime Minister and First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The day is also supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the NHS, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and all Search and Rescue.
The event is also an opportunity to promote the work of blue light and healthcare workers who have served their communities, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also promotes the career and volunteer opportunities available across the emergency services and serves as a reminder of the importance of using the emergency services responsibly, building relationships and promoting trust between the emergency services and the communities they serve.