Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's fire safety community volunteer scheme has been granted the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme.

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The fire safety community volunteer scheme was launched in January 2008 and now has around 100 volunteers across the county, each contributing a few hours a month. With the 2012 Games encourage more volunteering nationally, Herts Fire and Rescue Service is preparing to welcome new recruits.

Volunteers - who help raise awareness of fire safety through a range of activities, including attending community events, supporting local fire safety campaigns and encouraging people who are most at risk from a fire at home to book a free fire safety check - are asked to give eight hours a month.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all around the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now - one year away from the start of the Games. I congratulate everyone involved in Hertfordshire's fire safety community volunteers for securing the Inspire mark and wish you every success with your work."

Hertfordshire's Chief Fire Officer Roy Wilsher said: "I am delighted that our volunteer scheme has secured the Inspire mark. We already have some wonderful volunteers making a real difference to their communities and hope that as more people feel encouraged to volunteer in the run up to the Games, we offer them the chance to be trained and well-supported volunteers."

Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "For Hertfordshire's fire safety volunteer scheme to be given the official Inspire mark is an honour and I am delighted. To receive this endorsement also shows what a good volunteering project we run. I would encourage anyone looking to volunteer in Hertfordshire to come forward."

 

Posted December 8th, 2011 at 1335 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com