Sir David Amess, 1952 - 2021
Sir David was an MP for Southend West for 24 years and a south Essex MP for nearly 40 years, and tragically died on 15 October 2021.

As Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, we have been standing beside our colleagues and the community in Southend, offering support and reassurance during this difficult time.

We have also been paying our respects to the memory of Sir David and everything he achieved for the people he served.

For local information, tributes and links to obituaries, please visit the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council website.

Essex Unites in memory and support
A passionate, dedicated and hard-working representative of the people of Southend.

In his message written in the Book of Condolence at Southend's Civic Centre, Roger Hirst said: “Dear David, you have been a passionate, dedicated and hard-working representative of the people of Southend for so long. You have truly shown us what a difference a Member of Parliament can make. I know how much you cared for the safety of your residents. On a personal note, thank you for all the guidance and challenges you have given me. With deepest respect, Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner."

Essex Police Tributes

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service pays tribute to a man who was a strong support of fire safety
In tribute to Sir David, Rick Hylton said: "Sir David played a key role in campaigning for sprinkler protection and improving building safety, and through his many years of work chairing the All Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group he contributed to saving lives and protecting properties. Many fire colleagues across both Essex and nationally have worked closely with him, and we have come together to pause, reflect and recognise the work he championed to keep his communities safe. Our thoughts remain with David’s friends and family at this tragic time.”

A joint statement from faith leaders across Essex, Southend and Thurrock
“The tragic killing of Sir David Amess MP on Friday has left the communities of Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, and across Essex with a sense of disbelief that such a shocking event could happen in our midst.

“Sir David had a strong Roman Catholic faith, and faith Leaders across Southend and Essex led prayers on Friday and over the weekend for him, his family and the community.

“We were also shocked by this terrible event, but as faith leaders we are here to help people come to terms with this terrible tragedy.

“Sir David died doing something he loved and which was so integral to how he went about the businesses of being an MP – listening to and helping his constituents at a constituency surgery.

“One of the key tenets of our democracy is accessibility of our elected representatives and we must do all we can to protect this and protect the safety of those who are elected to represent us. Southend and Essex will be united this week in our grief, but also united in our resolve that we stand against violence and those who act against the values we share across our communities.

“We echo the words of Sir David’s family, who asked people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness. Whatever one’s race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.

“Our sincere condolences, prayers and thoughts go to all his family, friends and colleagues.”
 
Shared on behalf of:
The Right Reverend Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester
Ayman Syed, General Secretary of Chelmsford Muslim Society
Salim Wali, Trustee from the South Essex Islamic Trust

 

Preferred candidate for next Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive for ECFRS announced 
Roger Hirst, has selected Rick Hylton as his preferred candidate to become the next Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

Rick is currently the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Service and was selected following a rigorous and competitive process. He came out ahead of a strong field of national and international candidates from both fire and rescue services, public and private sector organisations, with the rest of the interview panel unanimously supporting his selection.

Roger will present Rick as his preferred candidate to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel at a statutory confirmation hearing that will take place on October 21st.

More about Rick

PFCC meets residents in Tendring
Roger Hirst spent the day in Walton-on-the-Naze recently talking to residents about their local concerns.

Roger joined Essex County Council Cabinet members on the walkabout and met with representatives from Frinton Residents Association, Great Holland Residents Association and Tendring District Council. Along with Cllr Scott, the Cabinet member for Highways, they discussed Police Community Support Officers, community participation and how road designs and the layout of junctions could help make roads safer.

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Catch up on South Woodham Ferrers public meeting
We held a public meeting for residents of South Woodham Ferrers to find out more about their local Fire and Rescue Service, including the upcoming conversion of South Woodham Ferrers Fire Station to an on call fire station.
It was live streamed on Facebook and if you missed it, you can watch it back here.

Test your smoke alarms - A message from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
How often do you test your smoke alarms? Only when you burn your toast?

Smoke alarms need regular testing in order to keep you and your home safe. Owning a smoke alarm that doesn’t work is the same as not owning one at all.

Smoke alarms can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a fire. And they even alert others to a fire in your home when you’re not in. Think of them as your little security guard standing by on each level of your home.

But while the majority of homes across the county now have an alarm fitted, most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of just ten years and then needs replacing.

To keep your alarms in working order:

• Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home
• Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every month
• Check that your smoke alarms are less than 10 years old
• Change the batteries every year. Never remove them.
• Fit smoke alarms in the right place - on landings and hallways and near bedrooms. Also consider fitting them in rooms that have electrical appliances – e.g. a heater or charger – or other fire risks
• Take a moment to check on your loved ones who may need help to ensure they’re fully protected
• If you hear someone else's alarm don't ignore it

To find out more about home fire safety or book a home fire safety visit: essex-fire.gov.uk/book or by calling 0300 303 0088.
 
PFCC helps secure £550,000 to help make Chelmsford safer
Chelmsford is set to be made safer for everyone, thanks to £550,000 of funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

The money will be invested in several projects in the city, particularly in the Bunny Walks area which was identified as a place where people, particularly women and girls felt unsafe.

The bid was submitted by Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex in partnership with Chelmsford City Council, Essex County Council and Essex Police.

It was also supported by Chelmsford MP Vicky Ford. Roger Hirst said: “Only by working in partnership can we make our city centres and communities places that everyone, especially women and girls, can feel safe in day and night. This money we have successfully secured from the government will help us do just that."

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56 new officers welcomed to Essex Police
On Friday 8th October, 56 new police officers took part in a passing out parade at Essex Police headquarters.

The parade was the first opportunity for families and friends to join the event since March 2020. In spite of restrictions imposed over the last 18 months, 507 men and women have been trained and have qualified as new officers, that’s the equivalent of more than one officer a day for the past 16 months.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, said: “Working alongside national government we have significantly increased the investment in policing over the last five years. We are getting stronger and better equipped than ever before and as a result are better able to make a difference for our communities.

“These are difficult times for policing, and we know that policing nationally needs to do more. It needs to do more to support women and girls, to rebuild confidence and trust. It needs to be better at working with our communities to get crime down.

“We build confidence through every interaction we have, every contact, every conversation and every person we help. We build confidence by hard work, professionalism and dedication.

“In my role, as your Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that Essex Police has the support, resources, systems and processes in place to rebuild the bond of trust that it has with the public. I am committed to ensuring we are accountable to the public for our behaviour, our culture and our activity. It is up to each of us in our roles to make a difference.”

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Preventing dog thefts
Roger Hirst, is urging dog owners across Essex to support Essex Police’s new approach to tackling dog thefts.

To help protect their pets, owners are being advised to join the Force’s Dog Watch scheme, pop along to local events held in their district and follow the latest crime prevention advice.

Roger said: “One of the proposed priorities in my Police and Crime Plan is preventing dog theft, with the objective of doing more to protect our pets and building confidence in how Essex Police handle dog thefts. This new approach really shows the force is taking the lead on this. Our pets are so important to us and they are part of our families. Earlier this year we asked for the public’s views on dog theft and they told us they wanted us to more to protect their pets. We listened and have acted on their concerns.”

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Hate Crime Awareness Week #WeStandTogether #NoPlaceForHate
This week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Roger Hirst said: “Only by standing together can we stamp out hate crime in all its forms and ensure victims feel fully supported.”

The PFCC supports various organisations across Essex that help victims of Hate Crime and work to prevent it. Working with the Essex Strategic Hate Crime Partnership we are committed to delivering the Essex Hate Crime Prevention Strategy. The PFCC commissions an Essex Hate Crime Coordinator to assist with achieving the strategy’s aims and provides funding to the 24-hour Stop Hate UK helpline service in Essex.

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