Seven new on-call firefighters welcomed into East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

Seven new on-call trainee firefighters have been welcomed into East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service following an intensive training programme.

The recruits celebrated their achievements at a special passing-out parade at Seaford Community Fire Station on Friday 30 October.

Friends and family gathered to recognise their progress, with Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Norris presenting certificates to the seven firefighters.

The new recruits will serve communities across East Sussex, including Herstmonceux, Newhaven, Uckfield, Battle, Wadhurst and Hailsham.

The seven trainee firefighters are:

• Oscar Brann – Herstmonceux

• Ben Carpenter – Newhaven

• Warren Martin-O'Donaghue – Herstmonceux

• Graham Mundy – Uckfield

• Frankie-James Smith – Battle

• Chris Van-Rooij – Wadhurst

• Usama Welton – Hailsham

The firefighters have completed their initial 16-day On-Call Core Skills Course, which involved intensive training over three weekends and a further two-week programme.

During their training, the recruits developed a range of essential firefighting skills, including hose running, pumping water from different supplies and safely using fire service ladders.

They also received training in first aid, manual handling and using firefighting foam, alongside written assessments to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.

The trainees have now reached the halfway point of their training programme.

Their next stage will include responding to road traffic collisions, working safely at height and water safety, before completing a two-week breathing apparatus course.

Could you become an on-call firefighter?

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is also encouraging more people to consider joining its on-call teams.

Unlike full-time firefighters, on-call personnel combine their firefighting responsibilities with other jobs, businesses or family commitments.

When an emergency call comes in, they respond to their local fire station and join crews attending incidents ranging from fires to road traffic collisions and other emergencies.

The role provides an opportunity to support local communities, learn valuable skills and earn additional income.

People who live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station may be eligible to apply.

Anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter can find out more about current vacancies and the recruitment process by visiting www.esfrs.org/on-call.