West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) has welcomed eight new wholetime firefighters following a Pass Out Parade at Horley Fire Station.
Family and friends were invited to watch the new recruits on Wednesday (12 December) as they took part in the parade after completing a six-week training course.
All eight firefighters previously held on-call – formerly known as retained – roles across West Sussex, but have decided to pursue a full-time career with the service.
The recruits, and which station they’ll be based at, are:
Richard Novis – East Grinstead
Brett Satturley – Crewing Optimisation Group
John Hicks – Crewing Optimisation Group
Matthew Gravell – Haywards Heath
Michael Gaunt – East Grinstead
Lee Barnard – Worthing
Phil Castleton – Crewing Optimisation Group
Darren Greene – Littlehampton
The group were able to show off some of their skills as part of the event, taking part in a rescue from a fire and carrying out a road traffic collision (RTC) exercise.
Chief Fire Officer Gavin Watts, who presented the firefighters with their certificates, said: “It was great to meet our colleagues at their Pass Out Parade, and wonderful to witness some of their skills first-hand. They already know that being a firefighter is a challenging role, and I am so pleased that they have taken the opportunity to make this their full-time occupation. I am excited to see how their careers develop as they continue to support the communities of West Sussex.”
Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities Debbie Kennard, said: “Well done to our newest wholetime recruits. They should be very proud of their achievements, and I look forward to hearing how they progress within the service.”
Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter can find more information and how to apply here: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/fire-rescue-recruitment/
