Firestyle Magazine Issue 8 - Summer 2017 | Page 12

FIRE SERVICE RELATED

Fire Service firefighters

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is delighted to announce ten new recruits have successfully completed their initial retained firefighting course , marking the accomplishment in style with an outstanding pass out parade in front of proud family , friends , officers and colleagues .
Following a rigorous two-week training programme , the recruits delivered an exceptional display of their newly learned skills during the parade at Worthing Fire Station .
Gavin Watts , Chief Fire Officer , presented WSFRS ’ s newest firefighters with their certificates , adding : “ Welcome to the fire and rescue service family . You are a credit to the training you have undertaken . We recognise the commitment you are giving us and the support you will be receiving from your families . Our retained firefighters provide us , and the communities of West Sussex , with an invaluable service so thank you .”
The firefighters will now be posted to their home stations to respond to emergencies when needed and to continue their professional development . The retained firefighters are men and women who combine their day jobs or duties with being “ on call ” for the fire service , ready to respond to emergencies when they are needed . They also play an important role in community engagement activities .
They are vital to the delivery of the county ’ s fire and rescue service and receive regular training to equip them with the skills they need to deal with fires , road traffic collisions and a wide range of other emergencies . Retained firefighters receive an annual retainer fee as well as additional payments for any incidents or community safety events they attend .
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