Firefighters welcomed to Steyning

Matthew Harley and Sean Alexander have completed their initial training course and have become retained firefighters in the town.

The pair graduated alongside Brett Satturley, who is a new retained firefighter for Selsey.

Gavin Watts, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s assistant chief fire officer, presented the trio with their certificates.

He said: “It’s a real pleasure to welcome our three new colleagues into the team.

“Being a retained firefighter does require a high level of personal discipline but is a thoroughly rewarding job.

“I am confident that they will be a great asset to their respective fire stations and local communities.”

Retained firefighters are paid to be on call, and are usually based elsewhere or at home. Of the 25 fire stations in the county, 14 are fully crewed by retained firefighters.

Mr Watts added: “Our retained duty system relies on the support of local employers in West Sussex who recognise the importance of allowing their staff to respond to incidents.

“Of course, there are benefits to the employer as well - retained firefighters learn an array of new skills which they may be able to use in their full time jobs.”

Retained firefighters receive regular training in firefighting, rescue and extrication techniques, equipping them to deal with fires, road accidents and other 999 emergencies.