Zurich provides new Fire Safety Mini

A GROUNDBREAKING partnership with an international insurance company has resulted in Fire Safety officers having a cool new car to help carry out their community work.

Zurich International Life, of Athol Street, Douglas, purchased a Mini Cooper Diesel and has pledged its use to the IoM Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team for the next three years.

Home Affairs Minister Martyn Quayle MHK said: ‘I am very appreciative of Zurich for providing this new resource to the Island’s Fire and Rescue Service. The importance of delivering the fire safety message to the community cannot be overstated and this vehicle will enable firefighters to have even more impact when going around the Island.’

Department Member Tim Crookall MHK commented: ‘I’m delighted that close co-operation between a private company and Government has assisted the Fire Service in kitting out the Mini to make it extremely eye-catching. The Mini has been decorated with flames plus the Fire Service and Zurich logos and will be easily spotted when it visits schools and other community groups over the coming months.’

Paul Quirk, Chief Executive of Zurich International Life, said: ‘We are delighted to continue our support of the activities of the Fire Service's community liaison programme.  As a large Island employer we are only too aware of the importance of keeping our roads safe, and the messages that the team will be delivering with the help of this new vehicle will help educate the next generation of drivers to become responsible and safe road users.’

The Zurich Fire Safety Mini will make its next public appearance at the Department of Transport’s launch of the Year of the Young Driver at the Sea Terminal, Douglas, on February 29.

Meanwhile, it will be visiting schools around the Island to enable firefighters to deliver the Drive Safe, Live Long campaign along with other general fire safety guidance. Community Safety Officer Steve Cretney said: ‘The new Zurich Fire Safety Mini is something that instantly engages the attention of people we visit to deliver fire safety presentations and advice. It’s seen as very cool, especially by youth groups and gives us greater opportunities to hold their attention while giving them essential information, which they will hopefully take in and even take home to share with friends and family. We’re very grateful to Zurich for their continued support.’