Salford Red Devils will host a ‘Blue Light’ celebration of the region’s emergency services at their Betfred Super League fixture on Sunday 21st July at the The Salford Stadium.
The event will have representatives from Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and North West Air Ambulance in attendance at Salford’s match against Challenge Cup holders Catalans Dragons.
Salford Red Devils director Paul King said: “We’re delighted to be holding this celebration of our emergency services.
“The response and collaboration we have had from them all has been fantastic and will help us put on a great day for families to enjoy and show their appreciation.
“There’s going to be lots of attractions to enjoy on the day and we’re seeing this as the perfect opportunity to introduce people to real-life heroes, both on and off the field.”
Each of the emergency services will be interacting with supporters, allowing them to gain first hand experience with the staff, vehicles, animals and equipment which keep the public safe.
There will also be live demonstrations taking place ahead of the game, before the competitive action kicks-off and a mascot race takes place at half-time.
Sgt Lee McCarthy of Greater Manchester Police said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of GMP and our partners across the emergency services, as well as enjoy a day’s rugby.
“Any opportunity we can get that provides a platform for the public to come and ask questions, see what we do and have a look at some of the kit that we use on a daily basis is a huge positive.
“The club have done a lot to orchestrate it and get everyone around the table and we were keen to get involved from the outset. The team are really looking forward to it and it should be a fun day.”
NWAA Regional Fundraiser Jennifer Barry said: “Everyone at the North West Air Ambulance Charity is very excited to be attending the Blue Light Day at Salford Red Devils.
“As the team’s local air ambulance, our life-saving service is solely funded by the generosity of the public and as such we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the amazing work of our crew and raise much-needed funds.
“We will be running a collection on the day so please some spare change and help us cheer Salford on in style.”
With the match against the Dragons set to take place in the summer heat, the presence of GMFRS fire engines will be particularly appropriate.
Area Manager Damian O’Rourke from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are really pleased to be a part of Salford Red Devils’ event.
“We want to ensure that members of the public can have fun whilst staying safe and this event will allow us to highlight a number of key themes that Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are focusing on this summer, including water safety and deliberate fires involving young people.”
Rob Silcock, Salford Operations Manager for North West Ambulance Service said: “This is a great opportunity to get together with our emergency services colleagues for a celebration and give the local community a chance to see the work that we all do.
“We’re really looking forward to the day and are grateful to the Red Devils for allowing us to attend and showcase our fantastic staff.”
Tickets for the ‘Blue Light’ event can be purchased from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570, or online HERE. The match between Salford Red Devils and Catalans Dragons will kick-off at 3pm, with activities taking place at the stadium throughout the afternoon.
