Firefighters, Control Officers, Fire Safety Inspecting Officers and other London Fire Brigade staff are celebrating 60 years of volunteering as service stewards at the Wimbledon Championships.
Arguably one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world, Wimbledon is steeped in tradition. One of those traditions is the Brigade staff attending alongside military personnel.
The main role for Brigade staff at the Championships is to ensure public safety, as well as guiding spectators to and from their seats during breaks in play. They can apply to volunteer on their days off or they can use their annual leave.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Phil Morton, who leads the service steward group on behalf of the Brigade, said: “The Brigade first volunteered at Wimbledon in the late 1960s, and we’ve been here ever since!
“Wimbledon is the crown jewel of the tennis world, it’s such a huge honour for the Brigade to be represented here. It’s a tradition for us to be present, meeting and greeting Londoners and visitors from further afield, as well as ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
“Coming to these hallowed green grass tennis courts is a fantastic opportunity for all our staff to work with colleagues from across the Brigade and the Armed Forces. All our stewards have completed anti-terrorism training and hold first aid certificates, to ensure we’re ready and prepared to keep Londoners safe.”
Station Officer Jeanetta Edwin manages the Brigade’s service stewards on Court 3 and has been volunteering for 18 consecutive years at Wimbledon. She’s due to retire after this year’s tournament, after 27 years’ service in the Brigade. She said: “It’s such a privilege to be here representing London Fire Brigade and to play my part in providing a world-class event. Every summer it’s like being reunited with one big happy family. Growing up, I played tennis at secondary school, so I love the sport, but I particularly love being here to keep the public safe and working with my dedicated team of Brigade stewards who are all involved in successfully delivering this highly prestigious event year after year.”
Barking Leading Firefighter Rebecca Draper and her father, Harold Hill Leading Firefighter Darren Draper are both stewards on No. 1 Court this year. Rebecca said: “I love it here! It’s great to work as a team with other Brigade staff and to see everyone dressed smartly representing the Brigade.” Her father Darren agrees, he said: “I’ve watched the tennis on the small screen at home so it’s great to be here and see the tennis in person while meeting all sorts of people from across London and so many countries around the globe. It's so nice to see our international visitors get behind their nation’s tennis players. They’re so passionate about the game and it just adds to the very special atmosphere in and around the tennis courts.”
The Brigade’s Assistant Control Commander, Mackenzie King is volunteering for the third time this year. She said: “I really enjoy chatting with the public who come to the Championships from all over the world. I’m based in our Control Room, so it’s also great to meet our firefighters (who I usually speak to on the phone regarding incidents) in person.”
Borough Commander Jon Holt is the deputy lead for the Brigade’s service stewards at Wimbledon, clocking up 24 years of volunteering at The Championships. He said: “This is the perfect opportunity for our fire service to engage with communities and visitors to London. Wimbledon offers a world-stage for our organisation. Our service stewards play an integral part in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience is had by everyone who walks through the gates at SW19.”