McGimpsey reaffirms zero tolerance approach to attacks on firefighters

Attacks on fire crews place firefighters’ lives in danger and put communities at risk, said Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey today.

Condemning a further spate of attacks on firefighters in Dungannon and Londonderry over the weekend, the Minister said it was absolutely unacceptable for anyone to assault emergency workers.

He said: “Given the importance of firefighters in protecting our communities, I am extremely disappointed that I am once again having to condemn further attacks on them. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save lives in their communities. By attacking firefighters these people are attacking the whole community. Their actions are cowardly and totally unacceptable.

“There is a very real risk that if these attacks continue, a firefighter will be seriously injured or equipment may be damaged, resulting in a fire engine not being available for a real emergency. I would ask the perpetrators of this violence to think of these very serious consequences before engaging in this dangerous, criminal and anti-social behaviour.

The Minister continued “There has to be a zero tolerance response to attacks on all healthcare and emergency workers. It is likely that those people who carry out these cowardly attacks will one day need life-saving help from the very staff they are assaulting.

“While firefighters are specifically protected against attacks under legislation, staff who work in ambulances or in hospitals do not currently have similar laws to protect them.

“I am working on legislation to ensure this changes and I want to ensure this legislation is enforced. I would again encourage all healthcare staff and emergency workers to report all attacks on them.”

Notes to Editors:

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