Fire and Police colleagues thanked for support for safer community by outgoing Chair

Emergency services representatives were thanked this week by Councillor Andrew Drever, outgoing Chair of the Police and Fire Sub Committee and the Orkney Road Safety Forum.

Speaking at his last meeting as Chair of the committee on Tuesday (22 Feb), Councillor Drever, who is standing down form the Council in May, thanked his emergency services colleagues on the Committee for their co-operation and good working relationships over his time heading up the committee.

"Since 2003 I’ve seen massive changes in operational activity from both (Fire and Police) Services and have seen many Chief Officers come and go over my 19 years.

"While I thank them for their commitment, I must pay huge respect to our on-the-ground Police Officers and Fire Fighters who have carried out their duties professionally and have protected our community well and for that, I thank them greatly."

Councillor Drever also extended his thanks to OIC officers involved with the committee, for their support, advice and timely turnaround of records and reports.

And he finished with some advice for incoming leaders on the committee: "If I can pass on any advice to whoever is elected into this role, it would be to take time to forge and maintain relationships and to work closely with Officers and personnel in both Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Services.

"Provide challenge when appropriate.

"I strongly believe that by doing so, this will continue to provide an understanding our collective needs and will be for the good of Orkney.”

Division Commander (Highlands and Islands) for Police Scotland, Superintendent Conrad Trickett farewelled Councillor Drever: "Both in your role as Chair of this Committee and also the work you have done with the Road Safety Forum and indeed the work you do with the Orkney Drugs Dog - thank you very much for your contribution to Policing on the island and further afield."

Again thanking partners and officers on Thursday’s Road Safety Forum, which he has attended since 1998 and chaired since 2003, Councillor Drever said: “For over 24 years I have worked in an attempt to improve road safety in Orkney. I’d like to think as a Forum we’ve contributed to safer roads and less heartbreak for local families.”