No need to dumb down’ the services

I WAS a member of the old Isle of Ely Fire Service. We were equipped with fire appliances and equipment which was in use in the Second World War, much of it past its sell-by date. We did our best and the public appreciated what we did. The comradeship w

I WAS a member of the old Isle of Ely Fire Service. We were equipped with fire appliances and equipment which was in use in the Second World War, much of it past its sell-by date.

We did our best and the public appreciated what we did. The comradeship was second to none. We went through the same changes as the police (ref: Geoff Smith's letter).

We received better equipment, were well-trained and there was commitment by all ranks. What do we have today? A superb fire and rescue service. The first in the country, owing to its changing role, to introduce rescue into its name. A lead followed by many others.

The old county ambulance service, staffed by very dedicated personell, was also a little neglected. The duty night driver took the ambulance and parked it outside his home. I can remember him covering the windscreen with a blanket in the winter.

They were replaced by the East Anglia Ambulance Service, a well-trained service using paramedics and high-speed response vehicles as well as ambulances, now meeting most of their targets.

With good leadership and commitment you do not need to "dumb down". Unfortunately it is not only the Government, as we are led to believe, but a large number of the public who have no love of the police.

May we hope if a new larger force is formed, it will follow the other emergency services and improve and not "dumb down".

Good luck to the boys and especially the ladies in blue! I still love ya!

PETER PRIME

AFS

Isle of Ely