The first joint fire and ambulance station in the country has opened in Louth.
The blue light collaboration has been hailed as an excellent example for emergency services nationwide.
East Midlands Ambulance Service has moved in beside Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service on Eastfield Road, next door to Louth Police Station.
“This is the first example in the country and is going to make a huge difference to residents,” said the MP who has just been promoted as an Under-Secretary of State at The Home Office.
She said her officials were excited about the opening and the potential for other counties.
Other stations in Lincolnshire are due to merge next year.
The MP also honoured the bravery of firefighters and the skills of paramedics.
"We appreciate what you do every day," she told staff from both services.
They staged a rescue from a mock house fire and showed how the two emergency services work together to save lives.
The official opening came the day after an awards ceremony honoured the long service of two fire officers, Watch Command Support, Kyle Campbell and Louth crew manager, Paul Brown.
Dave Gilbert, the East Division commander for the fire service said there are greater opportunities for training ambulance and fire crews together.
He said the merger of the fire and ambulance stations created savings by reducing the cost of maintenance and upkeep of emergency services’ buildings.
He said it was appropriate the joint collaboration programme was celebrated on national Blue Light Day, which honours the work of emergency services.
Richard Hunter, Lincolnshire Ambulance Operations Manager, said: “Our ambulance crews respond to around 500 emergency calls a day from people in Lincolnshire. We treat patients in their home, at the scene of an incident and on the way to hospital if further care is needed. This means most of our time is spent away from the station.
The grand opening of the new joint Fire and Ambulance Station on Eastfield Road, Louth.