Six New Retained Firefighters Join West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has welcomed six new retained (on-call) firefighters into the service after they successfully completed their two-week initial training course.

These new recruits live or work within close proximity to one of service’s fire stations and will respond to emergencies either from their place of work or from home.

After taking part in a rigorous training course, they demonstrated their new skills in front of family and friends at a pass out parade on Friday (May 20).

The event, held at Horley Fire Station, was the first retained pass out parade to have family and friends attend since the start of the pandemic.

Presenting the new recruits with their certificates was West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Peter Rickard. Speaking about the new recruits he said:

“I truly admire these six individuals that have made the decision to serve their local communities and respond to incidents, no matter the time or day.

"It takes someone with real dedication and drive to make that commitment, and I am incredibly grateful for the service they will provide.

“I look forward to watching the newest members of our fire family progress over the years and I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them.”

The new firefighters, and where they will be based, are:

• Jacob Ayerst - East Grinstead Fire Station
• Joe Garvin - Selsey Fire Station
• Matt Oldfield - Petworth Fire Station
• Tom Merritt-Smith – Midhurst Fire Station
• Sam Brown – Steyning Fire Station
• Alex Featherstonhaugh – Worthing Fire Station