Island Emergency Services Honoured At 999 Day Ceremony

The dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of emergency services personnel on the Isle of Wight have been recognised at a special flag-raising ceremony in Newport.

The event was held outside County Hall yesterday (Wednesday) to mark national Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day.

The day recognises the millions of people working and volunteering across the NHS, police, fire and rescue, ambulance, coastguard, lifeboat and search and rescue services across the UK.

Representatives from emergency services organisations across the Island joined civic leaders, councillors and invited guests for the ceremony, which began at 9am with the raising of the official 999 Day flag.

A two-minute silence was then held in memory of those who have lost their lives in the service of others.

Victoria White, Director of Ambulance at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said the work of emergency services can be "challenging and emotionally demanding", but teams continue to show professionalism, compassion and dedication every day.

She added that Emergency Services Day provides an opportunity to recognise the individuals who make emergency services possible, saying every person "makes a real difference".

Wendy Perera, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Council, said the event was an opportunity to thank the professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep communities safe.

She said emergency service personnel regularly respond to people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, providing help, reassurance and support when it is needed most.

Representatives from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, HM Coastguard, RNLI and WightSAR attended the ceremony, alongside civic dignitaries and council representatives.

Emergency Services Day is held annually across the UK to honour emergency services personnel, remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and highlight the vital work carried out by emergency services and volunteers.