Stamps Celebrate Fire Service

Royal Mail has paid tribute to the modern-day firefighter on six dramatic stamps issued this week.

Figures show that in 2008/09, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended 30,409 fire and rescue related incidents across Northern Ireland and Royal Mail's Fire and Rescue Service stamps turn the spotlight on those who regularly risk their own lives to save others, illustrating the testing conditions they operate under.

Belfast firefighter Gordon Herron and local postman Paul Carvill are shown here helping to launch the tributes which include the 1st Class stamp, (pictured).

It shows two firefighters tackling a blaze, while on the 54p stamp a firefighter has donned specialist clothing and breathing apparatus to deal with a chemical incident.

More specialist equipment is in use on the 56p stamp as firefighters work to free the occupants of a vehicle.

Flood rescue efforts by Fire and Rescue teams up and down the UK and features on the 62p stamp.

Firefighters trained in rescuing people from collapsed buildings using an array of equipment are featured on the 81p stamp and fire safety features on the 90p stamp.

Michael Kennedy, Regional Operations Director for Royal Mail in Northern Ireland, said: "Behind the familiar sight and sound of a fire engine is the serious business of saving lives. These stamps highlight the courage and bravery of our firefighters and the many important aspects of the Service's work."

Welcoming the new stamps, Colin Lammey, Chief Fire Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, said: "It's testimony to the dedication and professionalism of firefighters in Northern Ireland, and across the UK, that Royal Mail has launched these special edition stamps depicting the very real and versatile role of a modern day firefighter.

"As the stamps highlight, the role of a firefighter is a very demanding and varied one. We attend a range of emergency incidents such as fires, road traffic collisions and other rescues and incidents such as flooding, water rescue, chemical spills and collapsed buildings," he said.

"Firefighting can be a difficult job but it is also a very rewarding one and I am delighted that Royal Mail has recognised the bravery and dedication of our firefighters through these stamps."

The new stamps' release also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Auxiliary Fire Service who played a crucial part in WWII.

(BMcC/KMcA)