Lives saved by Haiti rescuers

Firefighters from around the country who volunteered to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake have returned home to praise and thanks from service chiefs.

A 64-strong search and rescue team – including volunteers from fire and rescue services in Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Mid and West Wales, South Wales, West Midlands, and West Sussex – was mobilised within hours of the earthquake striking the island on 12 January.

Among those rescued by the UK team was Mia, a two-year-old girl pulled from a collapsed kindergarten after three days and reunited with her mother. The team made two other rescues and was also involved in helicopter reconnaissance and evacuating some of the more seriously injured victims.

Steve McGuirk, Greater Manchester’s chief fire officer, was among those welcoming staff home. He said: “The successes they have achieved are truly commendable in a time of such devastation and suffering. While we are extremely grateful to have them back with us, our thoughts remain with the people of Haiti as they continue to try and rebuild their country.”

West Midlands firefighters returned to a VIP reception at Solihull fire station with families, friends and colleagues.

Cllr Tony Ward, chairman of the fire and rescue authority said: “I am extremely proud of our team and the work they have performed. They are selfless people who would normally be putting their skills to use making the people of the West Midlands safer.”

Meanwhile, the LGA has been in touch with the Department for International Development, offering local government expertise and experience in the longer term efforts to rebuild Haiti.

Cllr Richard Kemp, chair of the LGA’s European and International programme board, said the LGA would also explore the potential for working with other UK, European and international partners “to support Haiti and its people over future months and years”.

The LGA is advising councils to recommend that residents channel money raised by local community groups to the Disasters Emergency Committee. See https://www.donate.bt.com/dec_form_haiti.html or telephone 0370 6060 900.