Isle Of Wight Marks 999 Day with Flag Raising Ceremony

The Isle of Wight has paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of emergency service workers at a special ceremony outside County Hall, Newport, this morning (Tuesday 9 September).

Marking national Emergency Services Day (999 Day), the event brought together civic leaders, councillors, and representatives from the Island’s police, fire, ambulance, NHS, and search and rescue services.

At 9am, the 999 Day flag was raised by Andrew Woodford of the Isle of Wight Coastguard, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Councillor Ian Dore, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, led the ceremony, thanking all emergency personnel for their courage and commitment. He said:

“Their work often goes unseen, but it is never unappreciated. This flag is a symbol of our respect and our enduring thanks.”

The ceremony was attended by a wide range of dignitaries and representatives, including:

• Mrs Caroline Peel DL, Isle of Wight Lieutenancy

• High Sheriff Jacqueline Gazzard

• Chief Inspector Andy MacDonald, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary

• Louise Walker, Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Ambulance Service

• Sean Harrison, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

• Members of Cowes RNLI, WightSAR, and the SS Independent Lifeboat

Also present were MP West representative Max Nicol, council vice-chair Cllr Vanessa Churchman, and Isle of Wight Council chief executive Wendy Perera.

Emergency Services Day is held every year across the UK to honour the nearly two million people who serve in the NHS, police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services — as well as the volunteers who support them.

ℹ️ More about 999 Day can be found at 999day.org.uk.