Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is celebrating 10 years of life-changing support provided by its Volunteer Response Team (VRT) — the only team of its kind in any UK fire and rescue service to attend emergencies alongside crews.

The group of dedicated individuals voluntarily give up their time to respond at any hour of the day, 365 days a year, to support people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

VRT was launched in 2015 and in the last five years alone, its members have helped more than 2,100 people at emergencies across Kent and Medway.

They provide emotional support and practical guidance, such as arranging alternative accommodation, insurance processes, obtaining essential items like mobile phones, and navigating support from local authorities. 

They also arrange important wellbeing facilities for firefighters during long and complex incidents.

Dover resident Liz McConnell was supported by VRT following a fire at her family’s home on 11 September, she said: “The volunteers were amazing. They comforted and reminded us that we were ok, safe and unhurt. 

“They made sure we had phone chargers, as we had a lot of calls to make and contacted our insurance company to get the process started, as well as keeping us informed about the fire. 

“They also arranged for the Red Cross to provide clothes for us and the kids, toiletries too – a lot of things I hadn’t event considered. I don’t know what we’d have done without them.”

Ann Millington, Chief Executive of KFRS, said: “Our Volunteer Response Team is nothing short of remarkable. 

“These individuals give their time freely, day or night, to bring compassion and vital practical support for those having their worst days. The impact they have — not just on the people affected by emergencies, but also on our own firefighters — is profound. 

“We are proud to be the only fire and rescue service in the UK with a volunteer team attending live incidents in this way — and even prouder of the people who make it happen.”