The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is very proud of the firefighters who turned out to aid the rescue of victims of the Westminster terrorist attack. More than 25 London firefighters were at the scene yesterday following the 2.40pm attack, having been called to two ‘road traffic accidents’ at 2.45. Firefighters rescued a person from the Thames and brought them to Tower Pier, and were still helping victims at 6pm.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “This was a disgusting attack on London and on ordinary people going about their business. On behalf of firefighters across the UK, we express our condolences and sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of all of the victims of this appalling attack. We have been in touch with our colleagues at the Police Federation to express our sadness at the death of PC Keith Palmer.
“We praise all of the emergency services workers who responded so bravely and so remarkably to this attack, seeking only to save life despite the risk to themselves. We pay tribute to the members of the London Fire Brigade who responded so well, from those working in our emergency fire control to those on the streets around Westminster and to the London fire boat crew. Firefighters and other emergency responders turn out to high risk incidents such as this despite the risks to their own safety, dealing with scenes of utter carnage, the memories of which will stay with them all their lives.
“This incident reminds us that firefighters and other emergency services workers may not initially know that such an emergency incident is, in fact, a terrorist attack. Firefighters always turn out to help the public they serve. They are professionals, and that is what they do.”
Gareth Beeton, regional chair of the FBU in London, said: “I would like to thank our members in London for all the extremely hard, challenging work they undertook yesterday.”
Read the all members circular on the Westminster terrorist attack here.
