NORTHWICH'S MP has praised the workforce at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for going ‘above and beyond’ during the pandemic.

Mike Amesbury says firefighters have ‘not flinched’ from continuing to rescue people from fires and road accidents despite the added risk of Covid-19.

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And not only operational personnel but backroom employees and community safety staff have all played their part in delivering additional Covid-related duties, including:

• More than 70,000 vaccinations given by staff from across the organisation

• Delivering blood, breast milk, food and thousands of prescriptions

• Swabbing people and providing transport for tests and vaccinations

• Managing mass deliveries of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Checking up on vulnerable residents using PPE such as people with dementia

• Crewing temporary mortuaries

The Weaver Vale MP visited Northwich Fire Station to thank staff in person, saying: "It’s much appreciated what the whole team at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been doing for the community.

"On top of everything else, I take my mind back to the floods in Northwich when I saw firefighters rescuing elderly folk from Weaver Court after it had to be evacuated.

"The whole workforce has gone above and beyond the call of duty during the pandemic. They’re amazing.

"My hat goes off to all emergency services workers and what they do for the general public around-the-clock."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service adopted a ‘risk averse’ position in relation to the safety of employees during Covid with, fortunately, no loss of life.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin said: "It’s been a real team effort. Everyone in the organisation has altered their job to protect each other and our communities.

"As is the case for many in the public sector, the Covid-related activity has been on top of doing their usual day job.

"For example, as well as dealing with the pandemic, our personnel have had to contend with major floods and other emergencies. I am incredibly proud to work with the people I do."