999 Day honours the emergency services

Emergency Services Day is a government-backed national day and is an opportunity for the country to show its appreciation for those who work and volunteer in the NHS, police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services.

Flags across the UK were raised at 9am, followed by two minutes’ silence to remember the more than 7,500 members of the emergency services and NHS who have been killed in the line of duty, and the many more killed and injured due to their service to the UK.

Also known as 999 Day, it traditionally takes place on September 9 each year, however, following the death of Her Majesty The Queen on September 8, this year’s date was rescheduled for October 19, out of respect for the King and national mourning.

Emergency Services Day is aimed at promoting efficiency and educating the public about using the services responsibly. It also promotes the emergency services charities and highlights the many different career and volunteer roles in the emergency services.

It has the support of His Majesty The King, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and all emergency services.

Emergency Services Day was founded by police officer Tom Scholes-Fogg in 2016, after he discovered the UK lacked a national day to honour its emergency services personnel and the work they do. Mr Scholes-Fogg quickly secured Royal and government support for the day, including from Her Late Majesty The Queen.

Mr Scholes-Fogg, the Emergency Services Day’s chief executive, said: “The response to 999 Day since I founded it in 2016 has been incredible. It is heartwarming to see the great British public come behind this national day and show their support for the people who, day-in, day-out, go above and beyond and run into danger to save life and limb when others run away.

“From first responders and your GP, to call-handlers, admin staff and cleaners, those on the frontline could not do their jobs without those behind the scenes doing theirs.

“On 999 Day, I pay tribute to everybody who has served in the NHS and emergency services, and encourage folks to support our NHS and 999 personnel all year round, not just on 999 Day.”

Chief Constable Chris Noble of Staffordshire Police said: ‘We remember more than 7,500 members of the emergency services who have been killed in the line of duty over the last 200 years.

“Officers in our region and across the country, show exemplary determination and courage on a daily basis in serving and caring for our communities.

“Since the modern police force was established in 1829, we have seen thousands of officers and emergency service colleagues give their lives.

“It is important that we recognise their extraordinary efforts, put faith in those serving our communities in the present and inspire the future generation of police officers and emergency service colleagues who will continue to place our communities at the heart of everything they do.”