Members of the emergency services gathered for a special flag raising event and two-minute silence for 999 Emergency Services Day at 9am on Tuesday 9 September 2026 at Surrey Heath House.
The event was hosted by the former Mayor of Surrey Heath, Cllr Louise Ashbery, due to the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor being unavailable after being affected by the recent air traffic control issues.
The ceremony was attended by guests including Surrey Police officers, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service officers, representatives from South East Coast Ambulance Service and Surrey Search and Rescue, borough and county councillors, council officers, partners, voluntary, charity and community groups, and members of the public.
The two-minute silence remembers all emergency service workers who have been killed as a result of their service to our nation.
Cllr Louise Ashbery gave a speech paying tribute to all emergency workers, as did Honorary Alderman and former firefighter Alan Whittart.
Cllr Louise Ashbery said: "I am honoured to be able to pay tribute to our two million plus emergency services heroes today, and give thanks for the amazing work they do for us every day. They all put our lives before their own, regardless of the circumstances.
"Their sacrifice, dedication and commitment is evident all year round, but it has been tested to the limit during this summer, when the unprecedented weather put unimaginable pressure on our emergency services and NHS teams.
"We are all indebted to you for your uncompromising bravery, resilience, service and devotion to duty."
National Emergency Services Day was founded in 2016 and is supported by His Majesty the King, HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Find out more on the 999 Day website