Community Wellbeing Officer's quick thinking saves lives in Potton

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is delighted to share a heartwarming story about Marion, one of our exceptional Community Wellbeing Officers (CWO).

The CWO initiative, launched in November 2023, integrates health response and fire prevention to better serve our communities. Across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and Essex, 11 dedicated CWOs are working in six teams to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents.

Recently, Marion's quick thinking and dedication made a life-saving difference for a couple in Potton. While at the gym, Marion overheard a lady mentioning her hearing impairment. Marion approached her and informed her about the impaired hearing alarm systems, providing her work contact information.

A few days later, Marion and CWO Jo Morris installed a new smoke and carbon monoxide alarm system for the couple, Jason and Anna Clarke. This new system alerted them to a carbon monoxide leak in the early hours of Wednesday CHECK DATE morning, which they would have missed with their old system. Jason and Anna expressed their heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging that Marion's intervention likely saved their lives.

Marion shared her thoughts on the experience: "It's moments like these that remind me why I do what I do. Knowing that our efforts can make such a significant impact on someone's life is incredibly rewarding."

This story is a powerful reminder that every contact counts, even on days off. Marion's dedication to prevention truly exemplifies how our CWOs are making a real difference in our communities.
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