The Fire Protection Association celebrated the 75th anniversary of our inauguration on Monday 8 November at an event at the Oriental Club in London, attended by staff and friends of the FPA alike.
Over 70 colleagues from the fire sector gathered at the Oriental Club in Stratford Place, London to celebrate the FPA's platinum jubilee. Guests included current and former government ministers, and staff from the NFCC, IFE, and the London Fire Brigade, among many others.
More than merely a victory lap or a gathering of old friends, the event was also a poignant reminder of what can be achieved within the sector with a collective and unified voice, and a singular message.
The FPA's Chairman John Smeaton, and Managing Director Jonathan O'Neill OBE addressed the audience with a call for collaboration across the sector, and a look ahead to what still needs to be done.
Jonathan O'Neill OBE said "As we celebrate the Fire Protection Association’s 75th anniversary as the UK’s national fire safety organisation, we reflect over the last 75 years in the fire industry and the changes still needed as we look ahead to the future. Through our flagship events and campaigns, we will continue to work with the industry and lobby government to advance standards and best practice to achieve our goal of making the built environment a safer place to live and work. As we look to another 75 years of success in fire protection research, consultancy, training, publications, risk surveying and auditing, we strive to uphold our vision to continue to be the go to authority in fire protection, building security, and people safety. Thank you for your support along our journey."
The attendees also paid their respects to the recent passing of colleagues, including Chief Fire Offier Paul Fuller, and M.P. Sir David Amess.