9th September 2025
Today – 9th September, the UK comes together to mark Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, a national day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the extraordinary work of the NHS and emergency services personnel across the country.
From nurses, police officers and firefighters to search and rescue teams and call handlers, almost 2 million people work and volunteer in the emergency services and NHS. Amongst them are 250,000 first responders—those who run towards danger to protect and save lives.
999 Day is supported by HM The King, HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister, and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, alongside all six branches of the emergency services: Police, Fire, Ambulance, NHS, Maritime (Coastguard and Lifeboats), and Search and Rescue (Lowland and Mountain).
The day formally begins at 9am with the raising of 999 Day flags nationwide, followed by a two-minute silence to remember the more than 7,500 emergency services personnel who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty over the past 200 years.
A Day of Recognition
999 Day is more than a commemoration—it is a call to action. The day promotes:
- Responsible use of emergency services.
- Life-saving public education.
- Career and volunteer opportunities.
- Emergency services charities and campaigns.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: “Each and every day, hardworking emergency workers are on the frontline, putting themselves in danger to protect us.
“They are the backbone of our communities, and I speak for the whole country when I say thank you for your dedication and for keeping us safe.”
The First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, said: “Our Health and Social Care staff and emergency service workers deserve our gratitude every single day.
“I am consistently humbled by the many examples of care, compassion and heroics from the people who have dedicated themselves, and their careers, to helping others. And today, I want publicly to say thank you for all that you do.”
The deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly, said: “On 999 Day, we celebrate the incredible staff and volunteers who make up our emergency services and the vital role they play in keeping people safe.
“It is so important that we pay tribute to and celebrate everything you do for everyone across our communities.
“I want to recognise your professionalism and compassion, your dedication and courage, in often challenging, stressful, and dangerous circumstances.
“We are so proud and grateful for your unrelenting dedication and commitment. My heartfelt thanks goes to each and every one of you.”
The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: “On Emergency Services Day, we thank all of those working in our NHS, police, fire and rescue, ambulance, coastguard and mountain rescue services for their remarkable dedication. Whatever the badge or uniform, their purpose is the same – to protect the people and communities of Scotland.
“It is also important that we remember with gratitude and pride those who have lost their lives in service, making the ultimate sacrifice to help others, and we hold their loved ones in our thoughts.
“On behalf of the whole of Scotland, I say sincerely that we value the staff and volunteers of our emergency services, and that we are grateful for everything they do.”
The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: “Every day of the year, around-the-clock, our emergency service staff work tirelessly to keep us all safe from harm, showing tremendous courage in the face of adversity. 999 Day is an opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to all our NHS and emergency services heroes across Wales. Diolch o galon!”
999 Day Founder, Tom Scholes-Fogg, said: “On Emergency Services Day we unite as a country to pay tribute to our NHS and emergency services, who show courage, compassion, and dedication every single day. Their selfless service, often in the most difficult of circumstances, keeps our communities safe and secure. We owe them our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices they and their families make for us all.”
The Story Behind 999 Day
The idea for 999 Day was born from a family conversation. In 2001, following the tragic death in the line of duty of PC Alison Armitage of Greater Manchester Police, her colleagues planted a tree in her memory. Reflecting on this, Tom Scholes-Fogg’s grandfather, then Sgt John Scholes, told his grandson, who is now also a police officer: “In this country we don’t look after our emergency services as much as we should.”
Years later, Tom discovered that the UK had no national day to honour the NHS and emergency services. In 2016, he presented his plan for Emergency Services Day to government and quickly secured the support of Queen Elizabeth II, the then Prince Charles and Prince William, and the Prime Minister, with the first 999 Day taking place in 2017.
Tom, adds: “A simple conversation between a grandfather and grandson led to the creation of a national day that now unites our country.”
Join the Nation in Saying Thank You
Join the #999Day campaign and show your support for our NHS and emergency services. Share your positive stories on social media, take two minutes at 9am on 9th September to honour the fallen and reflect on the dedication of those who serve, and if you meet a member of the emergency services—take a moment to thank them. Together, let’s give our NHS and 999 heroes the recognition they deserve.
-ENDS-