Essex County Fire and Resue Service celebrates National Volunteers’ Week 2025

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is proud to mark National Volunteers’ Week 2025 by shining a spotlight on volunteers from the Essex Community Speed Watch (CSW) scheme, whose tireless efforts are helping to save lives on our roads. 

Formed in 2007, CSW now includes over 1,100 volunteers across 106 groups in Essex, all working to address one of the leading causes of serious road incidents—speeding. This community-led initiative is a key part of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) and supports the Vision Zero goal of eliminating road deaths in Essex by 2040. 

Volunteers use speed detection equipment to monitor vehicle speeds in their local areas, raising awareness and encouraging drivers to slow down. Around 43% of fatal casualties on Essex roads are linked to speeding, and CSW volunteers play a crucial role in reducing this risk. 

One of these dedicated volunteers is Robert Wilson, Group Coordinator for Mayland and Steeple. Robert’s motivation to join CSW came from personal tragedy: 

“My son was involved in a serious car crash, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury after losing control due to speeding. That moment changed everything. It motivated me to act, not just for my family, but for my community.” 

Since launching his group in 2022, Robert has organised dozens of CSW sessions and worked closely with local fire officers to deliver road safety talks to over 400 people at his workplace. 

Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton praised the impact of volunteers like Robert: 

“Volunteers like Robert don’t just give up their time – they give their hearts to the cause. Their actions save lives, prevent future tragedies, and make Essex a safer place for everyone.” 

ECFRS is also recognising the contributions of all its 70 active volunteers, who collectively gave nearly 8,000 hours of their time last year. From home safety visits and educational outreach to supporting the Essex Fire Museum, volunteers make an enormous difference in communities across the county. 

Rick added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers at ECFRS, we couldn’t do the things we do without the skills, experience, commitment and the time they give. I am grateful for their ongoing dedication and support.” 

Dan Bailey, Heritage and Volunteer Lead at ECFRS, said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to our volunteers who do such an amazing job every day. Our volunteers make a difference to people’s lives across Essex every day and this is why we feel that it’s so important to acknowledge and celebrate the endless contributions they provide.” 

Get Involved 

If you're passionate about making your community safer get in touch: community.speedwatch@essex-fire.gov.uk 

For more information on other volunteer roles at ECFRS, visit:  www.essex-fire.gov.uk/volunteering