The couple and their witnesses

THEY’RE used to an occasional call-out about a stuck cat. They’re well versed in the canon of unfortunate and sometimes embarrassing accidents when people require a little extra help.

But for the firefighters at Islington fire station in Upper Street, Angel, an emergency call from a couple due to be wed – but in desperate need of two witnesses – was a new one on them.

Just hours before Kevin and Julie were set to marry at Islington Town Hall last month, they discovered their witnesses had fallen through and made the unusual request.  Red Watch station officer David Brooks immediately set out to help by commandeering two volunteers from the coming-off-duty White Watch.

Sub officer Leroy Campbell and firefighter Cameron Brereton changed into their “undress uniforms” – their fire brigade suits – and headed off to take part in the ceremony.

Sub officer Campbell said: “The station was first made aware the morning before my shift, so when I got to work I liaised with station officer Brooks to get the full details, as the wedding was planned for 9.30am the following day. “I knew that it wasn’t going to be a problem attending, and a lot of the firefighters were ready to volunteer. “However, on the day we were told only two witnesses were allowed in the register office.

“As a result, firefighter Brereton and myself donned our undress uniforms and attended on behalf of the brigade. Julie and Kevin were so pleased by our attendance and couldn’t thank us enough. The best part was when we exited the building to see Red Watch forming a guard of honour. We were so glad to have been able to help them with their wedding emergency.”

As a special surprise, the rest of Red Watch lined the steps of the Town Hall as the happy couple left the building.

Station commander Mick Palmer said: “Islington fire station always aims to be at the heart of our community so it’s great we were able to help on Julie and Kevin’s big day. “I’m extremely proud of the crews. They get calls to help people in so many ways, but I think this may be a first! “Everyone at the station wishes them all the best.”