PRESS RELEASE

March 4th, 2009

In the line of duty

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is backing a campaign that aims to keep firefighters safe.

More than 100 firefighters attended the Scottish Parliament to lobby for better conditions as part of the ‘In the Line of Duty’ event.

They pointed out that 13 firefighters have died attending fires in the last five years.

The MSP met with Gourock firefighter Paul Mooney, who is based at Port Glasgow and was representing Inverclyde.

Mr McNeil said: “Firefighters do a dangerous job to keep us safe and they deserve our full support.

“The Fire Brigades Union has put together an excellent report that outlines what can be done to help avoid the dangerous situations that have led to the recent spate of deaths.

“Whether it be training, more firefighters or better risk assessments, we need to seriously consider how best we can minimise the hazards these brave men and women could face.

“If we can’t keep our firefighters safe, how are they supposed to keep us safe?”

ENDS