Leaf joins fire and rescue service

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has taken delivery of a Nissan Leaf in a bid to meet the highest levels of environmental responsibility across all areas of its operations.

The Leaf is being used to transport staff and guests between its headquarters in Framwellgate Moor to fire stations and local authority offices.

Feedback from the fire and rescue service has been positive, with staff finding that the Leaf allows them to cover the region easily on a single charge.

The fire and rescue service has taken delivery of its Leaf at a time when new headquarters are being finalised at Belmont, County Durham, with the move planned for this summer.

The new Belmont headquarters will feature three electric charging points on site as part of the service’s plan to add more electric vehicles, as it looks to further expand on its environmental commitment.

Andie MacKay, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service head of asset management said: “Nissan’s environmental policy and philosophy is reflective of our ecological vision to be a leading example in the community with a sustainable road transport fleet.

“It is hoped the partnership will bring enterprise benefits to both parties; the manufacturer of choice for an emergency service and the fire and rescue service aligning itself with a major employer and forward-thinking organisation in the area.”