MARKING today's Armed Forces Day Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, to formally pledge its support to members of the Armed Forces community.

The covenant recognises the Service's commitment to ensure the fair treatment of all staff who have served, or will serve in the Armed Forces, and their families.

The covenant contains a set of commitments, including supporting employees who choose to be members of the Reserve forces, promoting the fact that we are an armed forces friendly organisation and working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to establish an employment pathway for people leaving the Armed Forces.

Many serving and former Armed Services personnel already work within Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, across a range of departments including both operational and support roles.

Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Signing the Armed Forces Covenant really shows how committed we are as Service to recognising the contribution that members of our Armed Forces can make to our organisation. Their skills and attributes can play a huge part in our mission to make Essex a safer place for everyone to live, work and travel."

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner today (Saturday, 22 June) affirmed his commitment to those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

He said: "Serving personnel, veterans and their families, deserve to be recognised and supported for the contribution they have and continue to make. We have a long and proud association with the Armed Forces in Essex and we have a responsibility to support them and recognise the value they bring to our businesses and to our county.

"The Covenant is not just a piece of paper, it is a declaration of my commitment to raising awareness for serving personnel, veterans and their families and supporting them to continue to play the vital role that they do in the Essex Community."