Warm welcome for Littlehampton trailblazers

Kim Harris, Jonathan Mankelow, Sarah McGlinchey and John Millar are the first recruits for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s new Community Volunteer scheme, which is being piloted at the town’s fire station in Maltravers Road, before being rolled out, county-wide.

And they have already got down to business, carrying Fire Service Volunteer identification cards and wearing volunteer t-shirts and hi-vis jackets as they go out and about delivering fire safety leaflets to homes in the Littlehampton area, and make follow-up visits to offer those eligible a Home Fire Safety Check by personnel from the service.

Emma Francis, volunteer manager for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said: “I am delighted to officially welcome our new Community Volunteers into West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

“I am confident that they will all make a really valuable contribution to our efforts to protect the community in Littlehampton.

“Tapping into the enthusiasm and knowledge of people who live in the local area will certainly boost the community safety work we deliver.

“All four volunteers come from quite diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of skills that they can call upon in the role, which is a real asset.

“This is the first time that West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has recruited volunteers to assist with our community safety work.

“There is definitely a willingness and appetite within the community to help support the fire service, so we’re really excited about the potential to extend this scheme into other areas of the county.”

Kim, who lives in Yapton, said: “I see this role as a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to the prevention work of the fire service within my own community. I love interacting with people and I think my knowledge of the area will be a real benefit.

“I am very proud to be part of the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service team and it’s certainly a great feeling knowing that a Home Fire Safety Check that I arrange could potentially save someone’s life.”

For more information about volunteering with the service, call Emma Francis on 01243 752530 or e-mail [email protected]