Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Stefan Long, spent a day with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on Tuesday 20 January, gaining first-hand insight into the organisation’s community safety, operational response and firefighter training work.
The visit followed an initial discussion last year between the Mayor and members of the SFRS Prevention Team at a Care Fayre in Kesgrave. After learning about the Service’s extensive work in community safety, Councillor Long expressed interest in seeing more of its operations. Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey subsequently invited him to spend a full day with the Service.
Councillor Long began his visit at SFRS Headquarters at Endeavour House in Ipswich, where Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henry Griffin provided an overview of the Service’s strategic priorities. He then moved on to Princes Street Fire Station, meeting Group Manager Lee Wilkins, Temporary Station Manager Ann Hurst, and the Protection and Prevention teams to hear about their work keeping Suffolk residents safe at home and at work.
At the station, the Mayor toured facilities and met the on-duty crew, learning more about the operational capabilities used to respond to emergencies across Ipswich and the wider county. The visit continued at the SFRS Control Centre at Beacon House, where Station Manager Georgina Trownson introduced him to the team managing emergency calls and coordinating fire and rescue operations.
In the afternoon, Councillor Long visited Wattisham Training Centre, where Group Manager Dale Nunn showed him the specialist training facilities used by firefighters to maintain and develop essential skills.
Commenting on the visit, Councillor Long said: “It was a privilege to spend the day with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and see first-hand the dedication, professionalism and community spirit that runs through every part of the organisation. The breadth of work carried out across the Service plays a vital role in keeping people safe, and I appreciated gaining a deeper understanding of the commitment shown throughout the organisation to serving our county.”
Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey added: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor and provide an insight into the broad range of work our teams undertake every day. From prevention and protection to emergency response and training, our staff are committed to keeping Suffolk safe, and it’s always valuable to share that work with our civic leaders.”
