From the very start, the wellbeing of British Fire and Rescue Service personnel has been of the utmost importance – thanks, in large part, to James Braidwood.
The world’s first municipal fire service was established on 23 October 1824 in Edinburgh and Braidwood was appointed Superintendent of Engines. He then went on to be appointed the Superintendent of Engines to the newly formed London Fire Engine Establishment (later the London Fire Brigade).
He worked closely with the London City Missions from whom he requested support for his team, who had been traumatised by their experiences, so also became the first Wellbeing Officer.
It’s a wellbeing legacy that’s stretched for generations, and one we’re proud to continue today, by offering UK fire service personnel and their families the support they need, throughout their lives.
Now, to honour Braidwood’s incredible work, we will join senior leaders, family members and guest of honour, the Princess Royal, at St Giles Cathedral on 23 October for a commemoration service.
The service has been organised by the great, great, great granddaughter of Braidwood, Diana Hamilton-Jones, and Scottish FRS to celebrate the bicentenary of the founding of the world’s first municipal fire service, and Braidwood himself.
Diana explains: “From a blank page, James Braidwood created a science of firefighting, he recruited a team of 80 men, trained them and oversaw the design of their equipment and uniforms, and was also the first Fire Prevention Officer, writing reports for various establishments of national significance. The safety and wellbeing of his team was of prime importance to him, as well as providing an efficient service to the public he served.
“Firefighters can suffer awful trauma, for which they may need help. James Braidwood started that through his connections with the London City Mission, which supported firefighters and their families, so the fact that there’s a charity dedicated to helping people in the fire family now – and for the last 80 years – is fantastic.
“The world cannot expect to have firefighters laying down their lives without also providing some help for when they need it – you can’t have one without the other.
“I’ve been supporting the charity for many years. People take firefighters for granted – fires, car accidents, flooding – and who shows up? They dive in and help. It’s important that people realise their sacrifice and support them and those who help them too.”
To find out more about our charity’s own history, click here. And to donate to us today to directly support our fire services community, click below:
