Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service unveils ‘wrapped’ fire engine for Pride

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is showing its support for Pride in Gloucestershire by wrapping one of its fire engines in rainbow colours.

Its first appearance will be at Cheltenham’s Picnic in the Park event on Sunday, which will be attended by members of GFRS alongside colleagues from Gloucestershire County Council.

The Pride wrap will be a permanent feature of the fire engine and it will be supporting other Pride in Gloucestershire events taking place throughout the summer:

• Sunday 12 June – Pride in the Cotswolds (Cirencester)
• Sunday 17 July – Pride in the Forest (Cinderford)
• Saturday 23 July – Stroud Pride
• Sunday August 7 – Tewkesbury Pride
• Saturday 10 September – Pride in Gloucestershire (Gloucester)

This support aims to show that GFRS does not discriminate against any communities and will support under-represented groups to engage with the Service and feel able to apply for jobs.

It also highlights the value the Service places on diversity, ensuring people work together effectively regardless of their differences so they benefit from the varied experiences, ideas, knowledge and culture.

Mark Preece (he/him), Chief Fire Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be showing our support for Pride in Gloucestershire with our fire engine wrapped in rainbow colours. These events give us an opportunity to show our commitment to inclusivity and we are always keen for more people from the LGBTQ+ community to join and help make a difference to people’s lives.”

Cllr Dave Norman (he/him), cabinet member with responsibility for the fire and rescue service, said: “It’s a great idea to wrap a fire engine in rainbow colours and reaffirms our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. I’m sure it will be a popular feature at the Picnic in the Park in Cheltenham on Sunday and many other events planned throughout the summer.”

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk