Show your support for fire-fighters in Japan

People from Rochdale full of admiration for brave fire-fighters searching for survivors in Japan can now leave messages of support on the latest Twitter and Facebook feeds.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has joined the two popular social media sites to help provide latest information, as well as an opportunity for local people to interact with seven fire-fighters sent to support the Japanese emergency services over the weekend.

Peter Stevenson, Neal Pickersgill, Andy Horridge, Clive Geoghegan, Alex Sugden, Mike Buckley and Dave Swallow flew out to the devastated country as part of the international search and rescue effort following an earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

They joined a convoy of 15 aid vehicles travelling north to Ofunato City where they set up base in a municipal gym among a total of 200 specialist officers who began a two-day search for survivors earlier today.

County Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Steve McGuirk said the instant nature of Facebook and Twitter was useful in situations like this.

He added: “The team all have families who are worried about their loved ones and it is always a comfort at times like this to know others are thinking about you. I’d encourage people to sign up to our Facebook and Twitter feeds, find out the latest news from the team as they help tackle one of the worst natural disasters the world has seen and leave messages of support for them and their families.”

Councillor Ann Metcalfe said: “As a representative for RMBC on the Greater Manchester Fire Authority I appreciate being able to contribute a few words of support for our fire fighters and their families.

“The recent earthquake has obviously devastated the lives of thousands of people in Japan. It is difficult to imagine the scale of what is possibly the worst natural disaster ever known.

“How brave and selfless these volunteers really are; risking their own lives in joining the international search and rescue team.

“I’m sure we all admire the bravery and dedication to service these men are expressing in their search for life. These men are all highly trained, qualified and experienced.

“Along with other volunteers they have an arduous task ahead.

“Our prayers and thoughts go out to the people of Japan and to our fire fighters and their families wishing them a safe and speedy return.”

Both the GMFRS Facebook and Twitter accounts are being updated regularly with news from Japan and photos as and when they’re available from the search. To join up and leave messages simply ‘like’ the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) page on Facebook or follow @manchesterfire on Twitter.