A number of young students taking part in West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s FireBreak programme have graduated after completing a week of training at Crawley Fire Station.
A Pass Out Parade took place at the station this afternoon (June 22) with an audience of family, friends and instructors watching the 11 graduates take part.
This week the students, aged between 12 and 14 (years eight and nine), have participated in a range of drills, including hose running, ladder climbs, and wearing breathing apparatus.
They have also learned a range of skills, including CPR and fire safety, and have gained a HeartStart qualification.
Richard Poole, lead instructor said: “It’s been a full on week with a great deal of teamwork, pride and passion to successfully achieve two impressive Pass Out drills where the young people have pulled out all the stops to complete this training.
“They should be proud of what they have achieved.”
Chief Fire Officer Gavin Watts, who presented the young people with their awards, said: “It is always good to see the young graduates learn about the challenges our firefighters face, and I hope this week has helped them to gain valuable skills such as discipline, teamwork and improving self-confidence.
“I hope there are some positive things they can take away from this experience, and I want to thank the instructors and everyone who makes these events happen.”
The students attend the following schools:
• Tanbridge House School, Horsham
• Forest School, Horsham
• Imberhorne School, East Grinstead
• Sackville School, East Grinstead
• Philpots Manor School, East Grinstead
• Hazelwick School, Crawley
• Ifield Community College, Crawley
• Oriel High School, Crawley
• The Weald School, Billingshurst
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is at the heart of West Sussex County Council’s Communities and Public Protection Directorate, working to support communities to become safer, stronger and more resilient through a combination of prevention, protection and response activities.
