The Fire Brigades Union is urging members to write to their MP to support a parliamentary motion marking Firefighters' Memorial Day 2018.
Laid by former firefighter Jim Fitzpatrick MP, EDM 1115 – Firefighters' Memorial Day, 4 May 2018 calls on Parliamentarians to stand with fire crews at their nearest fire station to observe the minute’s silence at Midday.
Alternatively, they can join members of the Firefighters' Memorial Trust and the FBU at the Firefighters' Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral.
Members should write to their local MP or use the template letter below urging their support for EDM 1115.
MPs often prefer personal letters from constituents so feel free to add some information local to you and your MP; such as the name of your local fire station or your own involvement with the fire and rescue service.
To email your MP simply go to www.writetothem.com, enter your postcode, click on the link to your MP and then copy and paste your lobby letter into the email and add your details.
Template letter
Dear
I ask you to kindly add your name to Early Day Motion 1115 in support of Firefighters Memorial Day, Friday 4th May 2018. Please also be invited to stand at midday on 4th May with your firefighters in observing a minute’s silence in honour of the bravery and sacrifice of fallen firefighters. Since records began 2,524 members of the fire and rescue service have died whilst protecting the public. You would be welcome to stand with us at one of the fire stations in your constituency or at The Firefighters Memorial, Carter Lane, near St Pauls Cathedral, with members of the Firefighters’ Memorial Trust and the Fire Brigades Union.
Thank you.
Early Day Motion 1115 – Firefighters Memorial Day, 4 May 2018
That this House joins with firefighters across the UK on Firefighters' Memorial Day, on 4 May 2018, remembering the bravery and sacrifice of the 2,524 colleagues who have lost their life in the line of duty; extends its sympathies, especially on this memorial day, to all the bereaved families of fallen firefighters; acknowledges the good work of the Firefighters' Memorial Trust in remembering and honouring all firefighters who have lost their life while serving humanity and recording their names on The Firefighters' Memorial located close to St Paul's Cathedral in London; applauds the commitment and selfless dedication of all UK firefighters who stand ready today and every day to risk their life to save others and protect their local communities from the consequences of fire, floods, terror attacks and numerous other emergency situations; and calls on Members of both Houses to join members of the Firefighters' Memorial Trust and the Fire Brigades Union at the Firefighters' Memorial, St Paul's or to stand with firefighters at their nearest fire station to observe the minute silence at midday on 4 May 2018.
