On behalf of all firefighters I thank you: Looking back on the firefighters' strike

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I wrote an open letter to all of you, the public, explaining why I had chosen to take industrial action. I could never have imagined the response I would get. It was truly overwhelming. I have had an enormous amount of support from all walks of life. The vast majority of people supported us all the way. Most felt we have been treated unfairly and hope the Government can see sense and resolve the dispute soon. Of course there were some who disagreed with the industrial action and firmly told me so. I strongly believe in being able to say what you want, to whoever, as long as you put it in a respectful way. Most who disagreed were simply misinformed. Others just could not see our argument and the principle of it.

Support came from the police, NHS workers, teachers, and obviously various unions, but what touched me the most was when it came from people who had nothing to do with public services. Members of the public who have never needed us and hopefully never will. Some just thanked us for what we did and some condemned the Government's treatment of us. Support came from councillors, MPs, and even the leaders of national parties. There was however, an absence of anybody affiliated to the coalition Government which is of no surprise.

To all those who supported us: Thank you. You have restored my faith in a country which is struggling to find its feet and where the 'I don't care if it doesn't affect me' attitude seems to have become the standard response. I never go looking for reward in my job, I have helped many people in their hour of need, spent what seems like hours talking to someone trapped in a car while we free them only to never see them again. We hear about them and that they are recovering, but we very rarely see them again. But that's fine, it must be difficult for them to relive their experience and I only remind them of it. Just knowing I helped them is more than enough for me. Occasionally, we get a visit with a card and a box of chocolates and these are the ones I struggle with. It's always an honour and privilege to see someone healed and getting well, but being praised and thanked is something I know firefighters struggle with. You see, we do what we do because we love our jobs. We want to help you, and we will risk our lives doing it. Whilst we're helping you we aren't thinking about pensions, cuts, or the fact that it's a Sunday and we're not with our families. We are committed to being there for you when you need us.

The last few weeks have shown that you are there for us when we need you, and on behalf of all firefighters I thank you.

One of the obstacles we faced were chief fire officers. We all know they have a responsibility in their role to provide fire cover during industrial action, but some have failed to find a balance. I feel the primary role of a chief fire officer is to do what is best for the public and their firefighters. Recently this simply hasn't been the case for many. Many chief fire officers seem to be more interested in their lives after the Fire and Rescue Service, and expanding their political profile. This only hurts firefighters and the public alike.

However, some chiefs have been vocal in recent weeks and I thank them for that, and I ask others to follow their lead. They haven't forgotten that they were once firefighters themselves and even though speaking out may hinder political ambitions, they have not been afraid to support us. Just remember, that most members of the Fire and Rescue Service who speak out and condemn us have financial security and will not be affected by the new regulations. They will soon retire and live on what they are criticising us for fighting for. So go on, ask them about that, they will soon go silent.

It's not clear what impact this round of strikes has had on the Government or even what the next move is, although next week further industrial action will take place. I hope the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) are considering their next move very carefully.

I have read reports saying that neither the FBU nor the Government will back down, so resolution is impossible. This is not helpful and not true. It is not a game of chicken and we do not see it like that. The FBU have always being willing to negotiate with an 'anytime, anywhere policy'. You must not forget it is the Government who refuse to negotiate in any form. Throughout this dispute, their first rewriting of our pensions has been their last and only offer. So once again, I ask Eric Pickles to allow Fire Minister Penny Mordaunt to reopen negotiations. They need to look at the offers being put to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and see what is possible. The Government needs to stop making us out to be unreasonable people, the vast majority of the public can see through this. We can avoid a miserable Christmas but the ball is in your court as it has always been. I implore you as a firefighter, a member of the public, and a voter to resolve this immediately.