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Emergency services host 50th anniversary open day

Avon Fire and Rescue A firefighter with short grey hair wearing his uniform and kneeling down beside a young boy, who is wearing a black and white striped shirt. They are beside a fire engine and are playing with a water hose which is used to put out fires.Avon Fire and Rescue
The open day is expected to be attended by more than 7,500 people

Emergency services covering Bristol and Somerset are hosting a free open day to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

The event will take place at the Police & Fire Headquarters in Portishead on Saturday between 10:30 BST and 16:00 BST.

Officers and firefighters from Avon and Somerset Police and Avon Fire & Rescue Service will be hosting demonstrations, talks, and interactive workshops using specialist equipment.

Assistant Chief Constable Jon Cummins says the event is an opportunity to showcase "the human side of policing".

Avon and Somerset Police A young boy wearing grey shorts and a t-shirt smiling and sitting on a police motorcycle while a policewoman wearing black stands about a foot away, smiling at the boy.Avon and Somerset Police
Visitors will get the chance to see specialist equipment up close

Different teams will have their own stands and exhibitions, with staff on hand to answer questions about the diverse range of careers and opportunities within the emergency services.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “This will be a chance for people to get a sneak peek behind the scenes, observing how our police officers and staff work and asking any questions they have.”

Avon Fire and Rescue A police officer in his uniform speaking into a radio in the foreground. In the background there is a police car and fire engine, with two firefighters speaking to a policeman. Avon Fire and Rescue
Avon and Somerset Police and Avon Fire & Rescue Service were both established in 1974

Police officers will demonstrate their tactics of entering properties, using tasers and firearms, responding to pursuits and investigating crimes.

Children will also be invited to "become a detective for the day" by helping to solve a mystery, while those interested in finding out how dispatchers respond to 999 and 101 calls can join a limited tour of the police control room.

Avon and Somerset Police Assistant Chief Constable Jon Cummins wearing a black police uniform with a blue police badge. He is standing in the courtyard of a light washed brick building and smiling at the camera. Avon and Somerset Police
Mr Cummins says the event is a "significant milestone" in the force's long history

"We recognise it's been a really difficult few weeks in some of our communities with the recent disorder, particularly in Bristol," Mr Cummins said.

"We want to show the human side of policing and provide an opportunity for people engage with us to build up trust and confidence in the police and fire service.

"It's really about us being transparent, showing the tactics that we use, meeting the community, and showcasing our capabilities."

Avon and Somerset Police A police officer wearing their uniform, leaning over from the passenger's seat in a police car and touching the steering wheel. In the driver's seat there are two small children. The boy is wearing a white police hat and is sitting on a young girl's lap.Avon and Somerset Police
Children will be invited to become "budding investigators" for the day

Avon Fire & Rescue Service will have some of their specialist equipment and vehicles on display, including a hovercraft, a lifeboat and a drone.

They will also be demonstrating their response to a road traffic collision, the deployment of the turntable ladder, and the work of their Urban Search and Rescue Team.

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