Essex firefighters reflect on military roots this Armed Forces Day
As the nation prepares to mark Armed Forces Day this Saturday (28 June), Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is reflecting on the powerful personal journeys of firefighters who served in the military.
Watch Manager Geoff Young and Crew Manager Rob Cork are among many at ECFRS whose experiences in the armed forces have shaped their careers in the fire service, carrying forward values of discipline, resilience, and public service.
Their reflections, first shared on VE Day this year, offer a poignant reminder of why we honour our forces, past and present.
Geoff Young, who served with the First Battalion Gordon Highlanders in Belfast before beginning a 27-year fire service career, shared: “Both my grandparents served in World War Two, and my parents lived through it. It's vital we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“For me, as someone who’s served, it’s about honouring their bravery and resilience.”
Rob Cork, who joined the Royal Navy at 17 and served aboard HMS Invincible, draws a clear link between his military and fire service roles.
“Every time I put on my fire service uniform, I feel that same sense of duty. It’s about service, to your country, and to your community,” Rob said. “The people who were there first-hand – their numbers are getting smaller. It’s on us to keep telling their stories, to make sure we don’t forget.”
Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “Armed Forces Day is a reminder of how connected the fire and rescue service is with the military. Many of our staff, like Geoff and Rob, have worn both uniforms, and their continued service to making our communities safer is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
As Armed Forces Day approaches, ECFRS reaffirms its commitment to supporting both serving personnel and veterans. In 2022, the Service signed the Armed Forces Covenant, formally pledging ongoing support to ex-service members and their families.
The covenant contains a set of commitments, including supporting employees who choose to be members of the Reserve forces, promoting the fact that the Service is an armed forces friendly organisation and working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to establish an employment pathway for people leaving the Armed Forces.
Many serving and former Armed Services personnel already work within Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, across a range of departments including both operational and support roles.
For more information on careers with ECFRS search Join Essex Fire online or head to https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment
Watch Manager Geoff Young pauses to reflect on VE Day
Watch Manager Geoff Young has been with us for 27 years and before joining, he was a reservist. A career he maintained for 18 years alongside his career as a firefighter. He served a six month tour in Northern Ireland at Belfast with the First Battalion Gordon Highlanders.
He’ll be commemorating VE Day and reflecting on his military service as well as remembering his grandparents who served bravely during World War II.
Crew Manager Rob Cork reflects on VE Day
Crew Manager Rob Cork has been a firefighter for 23 years at Southend Fire Station and Witham Fire Station.
Before joining us, Rob joined the Royal Navy at 17 and served for six years aboard aircraft carrier HMS Invincible.
With his own military service and both of his grandparents serving in the Second World War, Rob sees VE Day as a chance to pass the baton of remembrance.
