Salvation Army Volunteers Supported Emergency Crews After Bedford Rail Crash
By Community Correspondent
Salvation Army volunteers were among those supporting emergency services after the train collision near Bedford last month.
The charity was called out by British Transport Police at 6.50pm on Friday, 19 June, and deployed its Emergency Response Vehicle to the scene. Volunteers from Bedford and Kettering remained there until Sunday evening, providing food, drinks and welfare support for emergency crews.
In total, 21 Salvation Army volunteers took part in the operation, working in shifts over the weekend.
Adrian Clee, the charity's Territorial Emergency Response Officer, said supporting emergency responders was at the heart of the organisation's work.
"Our primary objective is always the same: to support the emergency services by providing food and drink, and then pastoral – and, if requested, spiritual – support for people," he said.
"It's not just about the practical support; it's about being there for people who are dealing with incredibly difficult circumstances."
Earlier this week, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met Salvation Army volunteers, emergency service personnel and rail workers involved in the response.
She thanked those who attended the scene, describing the efforts of emergency services and volunteers as "nothing short of heroic" and praising the support shown by the local community.
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Mr Clee said the recognition meant a great deal to the charity's volunteers.
"It means a lot when people take the time to thank our organisation and our volunteers," he said.
"It's not about the recognition, but it does show our volunteers that the time they give to helping others is appreciated."
The Salvation Army operates 21 Emergency Response Vehicles across the UK.
Staffed by trained volunteers, they provide welfare support at major incidents, including fires, floods and transport accidents.
