Twins mark 24 years working in emergency services

Insp Dave Gardiner joined Essex Police 15 years ago and paramedic Steve Gardiner started with the ambulance service 14 years ago

A paramedic has said it is a privilege to serve the people of Essex side-by-side with his twin brother, as the pair mark national Emergency Services Day.

Steve Gardiner, based in Rayleigh, started with the ambulance service 14 years ago and Dave Gardiner, based in Boreham near Chelmsford, joined Essex Police 15 years ago.

The pair have volunteered for St John Ambulance for the past 24 years.

"Working in the ambulance service is incredibly rewarding, and being able to share that journey with my twin brother makes it even more special," said Steve.

"From volunteering together to now serving in different branches of the emergency services, it's been a privilege to help the people of Essex side by side."

Steve started as an emergency care assistant at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) and qualified as a paramedic almost five years ago.

Dave works in operational planning as well as being a hostage and crisis negotiator.

The twins were also volunteer first responders for EEAST before beginning their full-time careers.

"Steve and I have always shared a commitment to helping others," Dave added.

Dave and Steve's resemblance has bewildered people when they have responded to the same incidents, an ambulance spokesperson said.

The brothers said on one occasion, in Southend-on-Sea, a police helicopter pilot was left baffled after talking to Dave, and then walking over to the ambulance crew to be met by Steve.