New retained firefighters join West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

The new recruits successfully completed their two week initial training course and were formally welcomed to the service during a pass-out parade held at Horley Fire Station.

Retained firefighters often have full time employment elsewhere in the community, but live or work within close proximity to one of the service’s fire stations. When on duty they can be paged at any time to respond to an emergency situation.

Jon Lacey, WSFRS’s assistant chief fire officer, who began his own career with the service as a retained firefighter at Haywards Heath Fire Station, presented the new recruits with their certificates during their pass-out parade.

He said: “It was a real honour to welcome our new retained recruits to West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service today. Becoming a retained firefighter is a fantastic way to serve your local community, and I know that they are going to make a very real difference to these communities, many of which will be home to their own family and friends.

“Becoming a retained firefighter takes real dedication and drive, and I do not underestimate the commitment our new recruits have made in getting to this point today.

“I would also like to thank all of the training instructors who have worked with them over the past two weeks to ensure they are ready to go out and join our retained crews.

“Over the next two years they will continue to develop their skills, and I would like to wish them all the very best of luck in their careers with the service.”

The new recruits and where they will be based are:

Julia Hammon, Chichester

Rupert Burton, Chichester

Steve Smith, East Wittering

Rob Dale, Storrington

Matt Willett, Turners Hill

Bob Ayerst, East Grinstead

To find out more about becoming a retained firefighter, visit {https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/media/5999/retained_firefighter_info_pack.pdf|www.westsussex.gov.uk/media/5999/retained_firefighter_info_pack.pdf