Uni helps local firefighters with musical ‘Safe Christmas’ video

Firefighter Jon Arey penned and performed his version of The Pogues Christmas classic with help from the University’s music studios to offer a seasonal safety message

ONCE a police community support officer and now a firefighter with the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Jon Arey knows all too well how Christmas can be ruined when revellers run risks.  He decided that a music video would be an enjoyable and informative way to get the safety message home.  

And his local university in Huddersfield was happy to help out with its top-class recording technology and expertise.

Keen singer Jon, 43, who lives in Slaithwaite, wrote a new set of lyrics to the tune of the bittersweet Christmas classic A Fairy Tale of New York.  The result is titled A Tale of Safe and Well and the words warn of the perils of drink driving and of domestic dangers, such as overloading the tree with lights and failing to switch them off overnight.

There is also advice on the importance of well-maintained smoke alarms… and Jon includes a wider message about social isolation.

“We are saying ‘Don’t be lonely at Christmas’!” he said.

Supervised by University of Huddersfield Senior Technician Mark Wendl, Jon joined forces with local teacher and choirmistress Aby Austin in order to record the song in one of the University’s studios, provided free of charge.  The performance was also filmed to make a music video, with Jon wearing civvies in the studio and firefighting uniform in his station.

Now, the finished product is posted on sites including YouTube and publicised by regional media.

Jon served with the police as a community support officer while also acting as an on-call firefighter and about two years ago he switched emergency services to become a full-time firefighter, based in Rastrick and Slaithwaite.

Like many a firefighter, he will be on duty over the festive period, although he hopes to be home with his family in time for Christmas dinner.

Jon is full of praise for the contribution of technician Mark.

“He made a wonderful job of the recording.  The project would not have been possible without the offer of help from the University of Huddersfield,” he said.