The Minister said: “It is encouraging that the number of attacks has fallen, and this is a tribute to the continuing progress of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service’s community outreach programme.
“Nevertheless, there is no room for complacency. We will continue working with the community to try and further reduce the risk to firefighters.
“Northern Ireland has one of the best Fire and Rescue services in the UK, and our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save lives in their communities.
“An attack on firefighters is an attack on the whole community.
“Those who attack them, and other emergency workers, are to be condemned. Such attacks are cowardly and criminal, and have no place in a civilised society. The perpetrators need to be caught and they need to be punished.”
Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0505, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
