Sowing Seeds of Safety: Fire Service Plows Ahead with Tractor-ific Rural Engagement

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is gaining tract-ion on its rural engagement thanks to a brand new tractor.

The tractor, a Massey Ferguson, has been generously provided by local agricultural dealership Crawfords Group. The tractor will serve as an engagement tool for the fire service to use during the various community events held in Essex.

Group Manager Dave Bond, Head of Protection at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said:

“We are very grateful to Crawfords Group for loaning us a tractor which will certainly draw the crowds with its distinctive fire service livery.

“Our rural engagement officer attends many agricultural shows and rural events during the year to raise awareness of fire safety for farms and rural communities. We’re expecting the tractor, which is a unmistakable symbol of the rural community, to be a crowd-puller, encouraging show goers to come over and talk to us about fire safety matters which are important to them.

“Ultimately, it’s about building stronger relationships with farmers, landowners and rural communities in Essex. The more people we can attract to talk to us, the more people we can help keep safe from fire. 

The tractor will make it’s first appearance at the Essex Illuminated Christmas Charity Tractor Run, which will be held on Saturday 9 December and starts at the Crawfords Group depot in Writtle.

Nunzio Rio, Crawfords Group Sales Director said:

"At Crawfords Group, we are absolutely delighted to extend our support to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service by providing them with a tractor to enhance their rural engagement. We are excited about the positive impact this partnership will have, and Crawfords Group is proud to contribute to this important campaign that resonates with the heart of rural life in Essex."

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:

“The support of our rural community is vitally important to the work of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. The tractor will significantly increase visibility of the Service at community engagement events across the county, allowing firefighters the chance to speak with the rural community. I wish to thank local business Crawfords Group for supporting our ongoing fire prevention and protection messages which save lives.”