Lowestoft fire officer helps out York flood victims
Flooding in York - Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service support - Credit: Archant
A senior fire officer played a key role in co-ordinating the response to floods in northern England.
John Tiffen - Credit: Archant © 2010
John Tiffen, who is based in Lowestoft, is a group commander with special responsibility for Suffolk's flood response.
Fire services across the country co-ordinate with each other to offer expertise when serious flooding hits an area. Mr Tiffen's role was to help co-ordinate the work of flood teams from across the country.
Teams from Cheshire, Merseyside, and other counties were called in – but their work needed co-ordination from senior officers like Mr Tiffen.
He said: 'I went to Cumbria because there were fears that area could be hit by Storm Frank after the two storms before Christmas.
'In the event the storm's worst effects were a bit further north, in Scotland.
'They did not need the help we could bring, so we went to York to help out there.'
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Mr Tiffen returned home late on New Year's Eve – 'just in time for a glass of wine with the family!' he said.
However, he did miss a relation's wedding.
Mr Tiffen said: 'In a sense those areas that do get flooded are prepared.
'But this year has seen flooding in areas where it has not happened for many years – and people in those areas are really struggling.'
? Do you know someone who from Lowestoft and Waveney who is helping the north of England flood victims? Tell The Journal by calling 01502 525820 or email lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk
