Firefighters across Greater Manchester are soon to be given bullet proof vests to wear while on duty as an extra safety precaution.
They will also be given first aid equipment and training on how to deal with terrorist attacks.
The move follows a successful ballot of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members, and comes in the wake of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) being criticised for its slow response to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack – in which 22 people tragically lost their lives – after fire crews were said to have taken two hours to attend the scene of the suicide bombing.
Which is why Greater Manchester’s chief fire officer, Dave Russel, said these newly-announced measures mean crews would be better able to deal with future attacks, with more lives potentially being saved in the process.
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Mr Russel said securing the ballistic protective equipment and training for any future terrorist attacks had been a “key priority” since he joined the service in 2020, adding that the result of the FBU ballot would “vastly increase the speed” at which the service can get qualified and trained members of staff to an incident and, most importantly, to be able to deploy firefighters.
Firefighters across Greater Manchester are soon to be given bullet proof vests to wear while on duty / Credit: GMFRS (via Facebook)
“Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) continues to reflect upon and learn from the evidence presented to the ongoing Manchester Arena Inquiry,” he said.
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He continued: “We believe this is an important step towards further improving our response, should a tragedy like the arena bombing ever occur again [and] this means we can now move forward to ensure all firefighters and officers have the correct training and equipment to respond to a marauding terrorist attack or other mass casualty incident.
“This will not only greatly improve GMFRS personnel’s own safety but, crucially, mean we can use all our available resources to save more lives as and when these incidents occur.”
Also speaking on the news of the FBU ballot and what it means for the future of firefighting in our region, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the deal would “ensure firefighters attending a marauding terror attack are trained for the situation they find themselves in.”
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He also pointed to them having “the correct personal protective equipment to keep them safe”.
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th March 2022 
