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Eight West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service trainee Retained Firefighters were presented with certificates by the Deputy County Fire Officer, Cliff Sear , following the completion of their initial training course on Friday 7th April 2006.

The recruits spent nine days at Bognor Regis fire station, learning the skills and gaining the knowledge necessary to allow them to join their retained and full time colleagues from around the counties 28 fire stations.

Cliff Sear, said: "I am delighted to welcome the new trainees into West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. Their training has been of the highest professional standard and I am confident they will be valuable members of the Service."

Firefighter Adrian Parker pictured left and stationed at Findon fire station was also awarded a further certificate and trophy for the most improved recruit.

Retained (part-time) firefighters fully crew 19 of the 28 fire stations in West Sussex and more are needed. These personnel are vital to the delivery of the county's fire and rescue service and WSF&RS currently needs to recruit retained firefighters to serve at most stations in the county.

"Retained firefighters are notified by a pager if they are required to respond to an emergency incident and there are a variety of different types of cover that they can offer. This can be during the day, night or at weekends, to fit in with their lifestyle, for example, a shift worker or a mother whose children are at school during the day," said Gary Towson .

He added: "Alternatively, many employers operate a flexible approach to work, allowing their employees to respond to emergency incidents during working hours and make-up any time lost at a later date."

Retained firefighters receive regular training in firefighting, rescue and extrication techniques enabling them to deal with a wide range of emergencies including fires, road traffic accidents, chemical spillages and animal rescues. "It is a rewarding job, which involves working closely with other crew members as part of a team and gives you the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community."

You will need to live or work within 4 minutes of the fire station and should be aged between 18 and 55, be physically fit and in good health.

If you are interested in finding out more, you should contact West Sussex Fire & Rescue Services Personnel Services Unit on between 09:00am -5pm Mon-Fri.

Pictured Left:

Back row left to right: Robert Kitt, Chichester. Mathew Smith, Bognor Regis. Samuel Walker, Hurstpierpoint. Paul Weller, Haywards Heath. Steven Unsted, Littlehampton.

Front Row: Adrian Parker, Findon. Yann Rihet, East Grinstead. Richard- Frazer- Mills, East Preston.