On Monday, 9 September 2024, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council honoured those who work for the National Health Service and other emergency services with an official flag-raising event at Council Headquarters, Lagan Valley Island.
Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, promotes the vital work of the emergency services and educates the public on how to use them responsibly. It also provides an opportunity for communities to express their gratitude to the 999 services for the life-saving help and support they provide around the clock.
Reflecting on the event, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Kurtis Dickson, said: “Today, on Emergency Services Day, we have come together to honour the brave individuals who serve in our emergency services and the NHS. Their unwavering dedication, often in the face of great adversity, is a testament to their commitment to keeping our communities safe and secure.
“Our emergency services are the backbone of our community, providing essential support to the people of Lisburn & Castlereagh and beyond. Their tireless efforts ensure that help is available whenever it is needed, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.”
He added, “As Mayor, it is a privilege to extend my deepest thanks on behalf of all our residents to the incredible men and women who work in our emergency services. Their resilience, professionalism, and compassion make a world of difference every single day.”
During the ceremony, flags were raised at public buildings across Northern Ireland. A two-minute silence was also observed to remember the 7,500 members of the emergency services who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the last 200 years.
Approximately two million people work and volunteer across the NHS and emergency services in the UK. Many are volunteers, without whom the emergency services could not operate effectively. This annual day continues to serve as an opportunity to raise awareness of the numerous career and volunteering opportunities available.