Alex Ballinger MP marks Emergency Services Day
On September 9, the UK will come together to mark Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, a national day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the extraordinary work of the NHS and emergency services personnel across the country.
From nurses, police officers and firefighters to search and rescue teams and call handlers, almost 2 million people work and volunteer in the emergency services and NHS. Amongst them are 250,000 first responders—those who run towards danger to protect and save lives.
999 Day is supported by HM The King, HRH The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister, alongside all six branches of the emergency services: Police, Fire, Ambulance, NHS, Maritime (Coastguard and Lifeboats), and Search and Rescue (Lowland and Mountain).
The day formally begins at 9am with the raising of 999 Day flags nationwide, followed by a two-minute silence to remember the more than 7,500 emergency services personnel who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty over the past 200 years.
A Day of Recognition
999 Day is more than a commemoration—it is a call to action. The day promotes:
Responsible use of emergency services.
Life-saving public education.
Career and volunteer opportunities.
Emergency services charities and campaigns.
Alex Ballinger, MP for Halesowen, said: “Every day, our NHS and emergency services show courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. We honour their selfless service and the sacrifices made — including those who gave their lives. As a nation, we offer our deepest gratitude to them and their families.”
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: "Each and every day, hardworking emergency workers are on the frontline, putting themselves in danger to protect us. They are the backbone of our communities, and I speak for the whole country when I say thank you for your dedication and for keeping us safe."
999 Day Founder, Tom Scholes-Fogg, said: “On Emergency Services Day we unite as a country to pay tribute to our NHS and emergency services, who show courage, compassion, and dedication every single day. Their selfless service, often in the most difficult of circumstances, keeps our communities safe and secure. We owe them our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices they and their families make for us all.”
The Story Behind 999 Day
The idea for 999 Day was born from a family conversation. In 2001, following the tragic death in the line of duty of PC Alison Armitage of Greater Manchester Police, her colleagues planted a tree in her memory. Reflecting on this, Tom Scholes-Fogg’s grandfather, then Sgt John Scholes, told his grandson, who is now also a police officer: “In this country we don’t look after our emergency services as much as we should.”
Years later, Tom discovered that the UK had no national day to honour the NHS and emergency services. In 2016, he presented his plan for Emergency Services Day to government and quickly secured the support of Queen Elizabeth II, the then Prince Charles and Prince William, and the Prime Minister, with the first 999 Day taking place in 2017.
Tom, adds: “A simple conversation between a grandfather and grandson led to the creation of a national day that now unites our country.”
Join the Nation in Saying Thank You
Join the #999Day campaign and show your support for our NHS and emergency services. Share your positive stories on social media, take two minutes at 9am on 9th September to honour the fallen and reflect on the dedication of those who serve, and if you meet a member of the emergency services—take a moment to thank them. Together, let’s give our NHS and 999 heroes the recognition they deserve.
