Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reveals special Remembrance Day fire engines

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has revealed two special fire engines in Colchester ahead of Remembrance Day.

The themed wrap was an idea from firefighters at Colchester Fire Station, in support of the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.

The specially designed fire engines will be currently based at Colchester Fire Station, as Colchester is home to a large military garrison.

Watch Manager Scott Maclean said: "I was inspired by Avon, Warwickshire, and Humberside Fire and Rescue Services, which have all created remembrance-themed fire appliances. After transferring to Colchester from Breathing Apparatus Training in June, I realised this would be a powerful tribute to our fallen service personnel.

“Colchester is a garrison city, and the Service has a significant number of ex-military staff. Coming from a military family myself—my brother, father, and grandfather have all served in the Royal Air Force and Navy, this is a fitting tribute to service personnel and shows our appreciation of their ultimate sacrifice.

“I would like thank the media team and Richard from Fleet Workshops who have brought my idea to life."

The two fire engines will have a distinct Remembrance Sunday design, with the wording, ‘Lest we Forget’.

Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “I’m delighted that we now have two dedicated fire engines out on the road, designed to support The Royal British Legion.

“We have firefighters and members of staff that who are former service personnel or have links to the Armed Forces. As part of our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant we are proud of the awareness the fire engine will help raise to support the armed forces community.

“If you see the fire engines out on the road or in your community, take time to reflect on what this means to you and remember those on the frontline who are working hard to protect our communities.”