Guildford Fire Station Open Day

On Saturday 27th of August an estimated 4,000 people visited the fire station. Children enjoyed climbing aboard fire engines, learning about First Aid, and meeting the sniffer dogs who can be so crucial to fire investigations. A bouncy castle provided more enjoyment and cakes, biscuits, and model fire engages were on sale. Two of the electric motorcycles used by the voluntary charity SERV, which for forty years has been transporting blood products, urgent samples, and medical supplies to hospitals and milk banks across Surrey and London, were on display. The charity’s wonderful work was recognised by their receipt of the QAVS in 2021.

Two Fire Service volunteers, Melanie Berry and Peter Hills informed the High Sheriff that people can obtain a free Safe and Well visit to their home and the Fire Service may provide fire safety equipment free of charge. This deserves greater publicity.

Rob Watts, the Station Commander, and Craig Watson, the Watch Commander, mentioned the work done by the firefighters this unusually dry summer, which included their call-outs to fires in the countryside. Pat Sheridan, former Station Commander, is now involved with the Hendeca Group, and their team was showing children how to do CPR.

The Fire Service is much respected and an Open Day allows the public to show its appreciation for the firefighters as well as to enjoy their visit to the fire station.