Following a successful two weeks at The All England Lawn Tennis Championships, London Fire Brigade celebrates over sixty years of stewarding at one of the biggest international sporting events in the world.
Around 180 stewards, from across the Brigade, worked each day during the Grand Slam tournament fortnight at SW19. Brigade staff comprise of operational firefighters, fire safety inspectors, Control Room officers, Fire Investigators, Volunteer Fire Cadet Instructors as well as fire and rescue office staff. The main role for Brigade staff at the Championships is to ensure the welfare and safety of the guests and players. They are relied upon to help guide spectators to and from their seats during breaks in play. Staff apply to volunteer on their days off or they can use their annual leave.
London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Phil Morton, who oversees operational resilience and serves as the Brigade's lead for The Championships, said: “This is a unique British sporting event and is a chance for the Brigade to be part of a tradition, witnessed by millions worldwide. It is such an honour for us to represent the Brigade as service stewards alongside members of the RAF, Royal Navy and Army.
“The Brigade serves the local community but this event allows us to take this one step further, with guests not only from around the UK but also internationally. Wimbledon has become a personal tradition every summer. The atmosphere is superb and really marks the start of the summer.”
Another member of the Brigade who has been attending Wimbledon for decades is Station Officer Edward Gonzalez for White watch at Tooting fire station, he said: “This summer will be my last stint before I retire. I have been coming to these hallowed grass courts for 28 years. I have always been here annually for the whole fortnight.
“For me, coming here is part of my yearly calendar – summers have always been earmarked by the tennis. I started out as a service steward in 1998 on Centre Court and I am finishing on Court No. 1.
“There are so many positives about coming here. I love meeting people from across the Brigade. Based in south London, I rarely speak to colleagues north of the river on the fire ground. When I arrive here for two weeks, it’s like catching up with old friends.
“I have spent so much time here over the years but I still can’t play tennis!”
One of the brand new service stewards representing the Brigade in 2026 is Control Room Officer, Tirion Hobbs, she said: “I have only been here for a few days but so far it has been great and I’ve enjoyed meeting new people. I am stewarding on Court no. 1 for the whole two weeks. I don’t know much about tennis but by the final weekend I am sure I will have it sussed. I have seen some great matches so far. It’s great to be able to interact with members of the public in person – rather than talking to them on a phone, as I do in my job in the Brigade’s 999 Control room.”