All systems go for firefighting team

May 15 2008 By George Topp

VOLUNTEER firefighters in Leadhills have just been presented with their first Fire Service vehicle, a Landrover equipped with firefighting and rescue equipment.

The keys to the Landrover were handed over by councillor John McNamee, member of the Board of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, to Watch Commander Roger Beadle.

Councillor McNamee said: “I am delighted, on behalf of the board, to offer this further support to the excellent volunteer crew of Leadhills who have been very active in supporting their community for nearly 60 years.

“Through their efforts and the support of the community, Leadhills is clearly a very safe place and long may that continue.”

Replying, Karen Gillon MSP thanked councillor McNamee and South Lanarkshire Area Commander Andy Wilson for the vehicle which had long been awaited by the village.

Mrs Gillon said: “The board are to be commended for this further level of support to the village of Leadhills which, as you can see by the fantastic turnout of villagers, is warmly welcomed by all.”

Area Commander Wilson added: “Historically, volunteer units such as Leadhills did not require a vehicle as their function was to provide only first aid firefighting until the arrival of full support. With our new duty of community safety education introduced by the Fire Scotland Act 2005, we have found that the most effective way of carrying out this education is by using any local crews we have in any area, particularly in remote areas such as Leadhills.

“This vehicle will further support the already fantastic efforts of the Leadhills crew in carrying out our free home fire safety check and smoke alarm initiatives.”

The Deputy Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, councillor Beith Forrest, and councillor Hamish Stewart, both local councillors, added their thanks and support before the chair of Leadhills Community Council, Colin McGavigan, proposed a vote of thanks to the crew for their excellent work within the community.

Shortly after receiving the keys and witnessed by many of the residents from Leadhills, Watch Commander Beadle transmitted the first radio message from the vehicle to the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Operations Support Centre, officially booking the vehicle operational.

The crew were presented with a framed photograph of the vehicle, signed by guests at the hand-over and also by the Deputy Provost.