Cool kindness: Colchester boy cheers emergency crews with ice lollies on scorching day

Four-year-old Stanley Dunmore was treated to a special visit at Colchester Ambulance Station after he handed out ice lollies to paramedics and firefighters working outside his home in soaring 28°C heat.

The incident took place on 19 June on Barrington Road, Colchester, when multiple emergency vehicles arrived to assist a patient. EEAST had called in support from the fire service to help safely move the patient from the property into the ambulance.

Stanley, a huge fan of the emergency services, was thrilled to see the fire engines and ambulances outside his home. Noticing the crews working in the heat, he asked his parents, Lauren and Stewart, if they could raid the freezer and offer ice lollies to the responders.

The kind gesture was warmly received by the crews, who remained on scene for over five hours in the hot midday sun.

One of the responders, Jamie Mallett, a Leading Operations Manager at EEAST, was so touched by Stanley’s generosity that he wanted to make sure the family were thanked personally after the event.

A photo of Jamie enjoying one of the lollies was later featured in the local press, prompting him to share the heartwarming story behind the image.

To show the appreciation of everyone involved, EEAST and ECFRS invited Stanley to Colchester Ambulance Station, where he received gifts and enjoyed a tour of the ambulances and fire engines.

Stanley was accompanied by his younger brother Lennon – both in replica emergency service uniforms – and mum and dad.

Jamie Mallett said:

“Stanley’s simple act of kindness made a big difference to our crews on a very hot and demanding day. It’s moments like these that remind us how much community support means to us, and we were keen to thank Stanley and his family after the event.”

Nick Singleton, an Incident Commander at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“In the middle of a long and challenging callout, Stanley’s kindness gave all of us a real boost.

“Working in full firefighting kit on a hot summer’s day is no easy task, and his thoughtful gesture was a timely and much-needed morale lift for the whole team.

“It’s heartwarming to see such compassion from someone so young, and we were all genuinely touched. Stanley reminded us of the strong community spirit that underpins everything we do.”

Lauren Foss, Stanley’s mum, said:

“Stanley absolutely loves the emergency services, so when he saw them outside, he was beyond excited.

“Offering the ice lollies was his idea – he just wanted to do something nice for the people helping others. We’re so proud of him.”