The Bouche-Du-Rhône department is one of the driest in France with winds that can reach 100 km/h. When a fire starts in this area that combination can be devastating. Firefighters from the Pompiers 13 team know this all too well, having battled a fire that ravaged more than 400 hectares in an unprecedented incident just last year.
The latest video in Ford’s Lifesavers series explores what being a firefighter means to one of their members, Grégory Lefeuvre, the surgery he went through in order to get his ‘dream job’ and how his desire to serve and to help others drives him on.
It also features trainee firefighter Angélique Picatto who is learning what being part of the team is about and just how hot a raging fire can be. As she gets to grips with the physical and mental challenges of the role she hopes to build a long career helping others.
This is the fourth video in the series that has already featured an ambulance service in Valencia, Spain, water rescue in Nové Mlýny, Czech Republic, and a mountain rescue team in Derby, UK. Each film explores the challenges, fears and motivations of these different groups of heroes, often volunteers, as they risk the ultimate sacrifice to help those in need.
The ‘Lifesavers’ series
In each episode, the Ford video cameras have captured the tough challenges that confront the featured lifesaver as they serve their local communities. The series will include:
Episode 1: Valencia Ambulance Service, Spain - Available now
Episode 2: Nové Mlýny Water Rescue Team, Czech Republic - Available now
Episode 3: Derby Mountain Rescue, UK - Available now
Episode 4: Pompiers 13 Fire Brigade, France - August 4th, 2021
Episode 5: Fire Brigade Services, Slovenia - August 23rd, 2021
Episode 6: Bavarian Red Cross, Germany - Date TBC
Please see the related section for "Lifesavers" videos and articles.
Quotes
“The main motivation is to serve others, being there when someone is in need of help, assistance. Every day as a firefighter you are confronted with misery, but we meet amazing people, we’re able to help others, and that’s wonderful.”
Grégory Lefeuvre, Pompiers 13 Fire Brigade, France
"We followed the Pompiers 13 team on a training session wearing the same heavy protective uniforms, air tanks and with the same limited visibility. Temperatures were well over 40 degrees Celcius. Just this short exercise left the crew and I drenched and exhausted, yet the firefighters kept doing this exercise throughout the day. Following firefighters around with a camera only captures part of their world and the physical and mental strength they need, but hopefully this film gives a glimpse into the lives of these very heroic lifesavers."
Jerome Isaac, producer, Ford Lifesavers
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 186,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 43,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 55,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (10 wholly owned facilities and four unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
