London Ambulance Service marks Emergency Services Day with poignant ceremony

Staff at London Ambulance Service came together to commemorate Emergency Services Day today (9 September) with a moving ceremony at the Service’s headquarters in Waterloo.

The occasion recognises the courage, compassion and commitment of the nearly two million people who work and volunteer across the NHS and the emergency services in the UK. This includes 250,000 ambulance employers and volunteers – paramedics, call handlers, clinicians and support teams.

Chief Executive Jason Killens KAM led a short two minute silence at the Service’s memorial garden outside the HQ. He thanked staff for their dedication and commitment and paid tribute to LAS colleagues who have died over the past year.

Peter Crean, the ceremonial unit’s standard bearer, marked the start and end of the silence by lowering and raising the Emergency Services 999 Day flag.

Addressing those who had gathered for the ceremony, Jason Killens KAM, Chief Executive at London Ambulance Service, said:

“I am extremely proud to mark my first Emergency Services Day back at London Ambulance Service.

“Today is about recognising the fantastic work that all our colleagues and volunteers across the Service undertake every day, as well as that of our emergency service partners.

“Extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. Our job, whatever the role, is anything but ordinary. I want to thank each and every one of you for your service, dedication and commitment to the people of London.

“I want to also take this opportunity to remember our colleagues who passed away during the last 12 months. They are sorely missed by colleagues and we thank them for their service to the people of London.”

Peter Crean, the Ceremonial Unit’s Standard Bearer, said:

“Emergency Services Day gives us the chance to celebrate, and say thank you for, all the hard work done by the staff and volunteers across London Ambulance Service.

“I’m particularly honoured to take part in today’s event as last month I celebrated my 25th anniversary with the Service.”

Emergency Services Day (also known as 999 Day as it takes place on the 9^th day of the 9^th month with a ceremony usually hosted at 9am) is a national day across the UK supported by His Majesty The King, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The ceremony comes as the London Ambulance Charity’s calls on Londoners to join their flagship fundraising event – the London Life Hike – to raise funds for vital life-saving defibrillators in communities which need them most.

Find out about the London Ambulance Charity’s fundraising event, the London Life Hike on Sunday 27 September.