Fire chief: We'll catch attackers

Eric Baxter • Published 7 Jul 2010 14:00

THE new fire chief for Inverclyde today condemned groups of youths who attack firefighters.

Area commander John Ironside said strenuous efforts are being made to discourage youngsters from ambushing crews.

There has been a spate of attacks on fire crews in Inverclyde in recent months, leading bosses to instigate initiatives designed not just to catch, but also to educate the culprits.

Mr Ironside said: "Firefighters have a difficult enough job protecting communities without being confronted by people who commit dreadful acts of violence.

"Strathclyde Fire & Rescue has an agreement with Strathclyde Police to get support if our firefighters run the risk of attacks.

"We also work closely with local councils to engage with young people through countless school visits and programmes such as Fire Reach.

"This is a two-week course for youths with anti-social or disadvantaged backgrounds.

"They get to experience firefighting techniques, handle hoses and receive road traffic control training and fire safety information.

"They also participate in an organised display for friends and family at Port Glasgow fire station."

Youngsters are also encouraged to take part in Duke of Edinburgh award schemes and in 'New Horizons', a course for youths on the verge of getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

Mr Ironside said: "Youths are given access to James Watt College, Greenock Police offices and Port Glasgow Fire Station.

"Their self-esteem is raised and they receive a graduation certificate on completion.

"We hope the course leads youths away from a life of crime and shows the fire service as a positive role model.

"Seven courses have been run so far for 84 youths."

The fire brigade works with a number of agencies to discourage anti-social behaviour, including the community wardens, with whom they run Operation Brightspark, in which both respond to incidents at known trouble spots.

Mr Ironside pointed out CCTV cameras have been fitted to fire appliances.

These are checked to see if there is any information which can be passed to police which could help identify attackers.

He added: "My appeal to the public would be that if they have any information about the people who attack our firefighters, please report it to Strathclyde Police or Crimestoppers."

The police number is 492500 and Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 07 Jul 10

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