Rise in Assaults on Firefighters in Northern Lincolnshire
Key Highlights :
The last five years have seen an alarming increase in assaults on firefighters in northern Lincolnshire. In the last five years, 24 assaults have been reported on firefighters in the region, with seven of them reported in 2021 alone. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that these are the highest numbers since records began. This news comes as a shock to many, as firefighters are seen as heroes and are usually respected by the public.
It is clear that the increase in assaults is partly due to the pandemic, as people may be feeling more stressed and anxious than usual. The FOI data reveals that most of the incidents have involved male firefighters, with Hawerby Road in Laceby being the only reported case of an assault on a female firefighter. The severity of the assaults also varies, with some only involving verbal abuse, while others have included objects being thrown at individuals or vehicles.
In response to the rise in assaults, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has launched a campaign in partnership with Humberside Police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service called 'Don't Cross the Line'. The aim of the campaign is to reduce attacks on emergency workers and it has seen some success, as the number of attacks has decreased since its launch. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect firefighters from these assaults.
Firefighters provide an invaluable service to the public, and they should not have to face physical or verbal abuse while doing their job. The NFCC has urged members of the public to report any incidents of abuse to the police, and to ensure that firefighters are respected and protected. Firefighters are also provided with medical attention and ongoing physical and mental health support if needed.
It is essential that we all do our part to protect firefighters from assaults. We must be mindful of our actions and words, and report any incidents of abuse to the police. Firefighters are our heroes, and they deserve to be respected and protected.
