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Service pays tribute to emergency workers after riots

BBC Group of emergency services workers hold Emergency Services Day flag in front of the Liver buildingBBC
Civic and faith leaders gathered at Liverpool Parish Church

A church service has paid tribute to emergency workers who responded to riots on Merseyside this summer.

Civic and faith leaders gathered at Liverpool Parish Church, along with the NHS and members of police, fire, ambulance services.

It was part of a national Emergency Services Day - known as 999 Day.

Reverend Canon at the church, Bill Addy said it was about "celebrating the best in our community" and "all the important work they do".

Liverpool City Council Church interior showing members if the emergency service in the congregationLiverpool City Council

"There's always been strong support for the emergency services in our city," Mr Addy, who is also chief executive of Liverpool BID.

Among those attending the service was Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson.

He said emergency workers were often taken for granted and it was important to acknowledge "what a great and important job they do in putting others first, that’s the very nature of the public service they deliver".

Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce speaking at the service
Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce said the aftermath of the riots had seen an "outpouring of community cohesion and community love"

"These people are absolutely vital in the jobs that they do of keeping our communities safe, looking after vulnerable people and stepping in when there is an emergency," Mr Robinson added.

Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, also spoke at the service, and expressed his "shock" that riots had taken place in the city.

"On a personal level the riots really affected me," he said.

"I felt I always thought we were better than this and I was really shocked that this would happen on Merseyside.

"But obviously the aftermath of the riots has been this huge outpouring of community cohesion and community love but it's been a lesson in that you can't take the good in us for granted."

Google Liverpool Parish Church building in Liverpool city centreGoogle
The service took place at Liverpool Parish Church in the city centre

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said the church service gave people a chance to "celebrate the heroic actions of all the blue light services" and wider partnerships that work together.

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