The Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council laid a wreath at the National Service of Remembrance on behalf of the civilian services, on Sunday November 13th. 

Mark Hardingham joined members of the royal family, government, the Mayor of London and armed forces for the annual two-minute silence and wreath laying at Westminster’s Cenotaph, the permanent monument in honour of fallen soldiers. 

Hardingham said prior to the event: “I will be commemorating, honouring and giving thanks to all those who lost their lives across the two world wars, other conflicts and acts of terrorism. It is an honour to lay a wreath this year on behalf of the civilian services, which includes police, fire, ambulance and the British Red Cross.

“I will also be paying tribute to the vital contribution the emergency services have made over the years. They, along with other civilian services, have helped defend our country at times of war. 

“I will also be thinking about all those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This continues to devastate lives and is having a major impact on communities, the armed forces and the emergency services who continue to battle to protect people and property. 

“Remembrance Sunday is always an incredibly moving day as we reflect on the bravery and sacrifices made by so many to protect us and defend our freedoms. This year will be especially poignant as it will be the first one since Queen Elizabeth II died, who was the Commander in Chief of the British Armed Forces. She also served as a mechanic and truck driver in the last months of the Second World War.” 

Representatives from fire and rescue services across the country also attended the National Service of Remembrance, including Ben Ansell, Chief Fire Officer of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will be the commander of this year’s civilian services contingent detachment. 

Ansell was supported by Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton (West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service) and Chief Supt Elliott Sharrard-Williams (Staffordshire Police) who will led two detachments.