Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is taking part in the National Fire Chiefs Council’s  (NFCC) "Ready Willing and Able" campaign which launches today (April 15 l) which will show how fire and rescue services in the UK are going the extra mile to protect and support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firefighters and support staff across Shropshire will be sharing stories on social media about how they’re using their wide range of skills to provide community reassurance and help, in response to the national crisis.

A Bridgnorth firefighter was among a team of UK sportsmen who got into the record books by playing the longest ever game of rugby.

Firefighter Luke Veal and colleagues from across the UK played a full contact Rugby Union match in Worcester to raise £50,000 for the Fire Fighters’ Charity and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

They beat the current Guiness World Record of 28hrs and 23 mns by more than two hours in a long drawn out game, especially for the spectators, which went on through the night.

Shropshire’s new Chief Fire Officer has visited each of the county’s 23 fire stations…on his bike.

Rod Hammerton said he was “proud” to have completed the marathon ride with firefighting colleagues, support staff, friends and family to raise much needed funds for The Severn Hospice and the Fire Fighters’ Charity which helps sick and injured firefighters and their families.

The pedal powered tour involved the fire chief and the 20 strong team taking to two wheels to cycle 239 miles over three days.

Shropshire’s new Chief Fire Officer will visit each of the county’s 23 fire stations…on his bike.

It’s not the usual approach for a new boss to meet staff working in the far flung corners of the county or another cost cutting exercise.

But the pedal powered tour is all in aid of charity as Rod Hammerton takes to two wheels along with more than 20 firefighting colleagues, support staff and family and friends from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Shropshire fire crews have smashed their fundraising target for the year by collecting £17,000 in a series of charity events.

They had aimed to raised £9,600 for the Fire Fighters’ Charity over the past 12 months but raised the bar to get an extra £7,400.

Charity Service co-ordinator Ashley Brown praised the fundraising enthusiasm from firefighting colleagues at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“It has been a fantastic year for both fundraising for the Fire Fighters Charity as well as raising the profile of the services on offer to all members.