Release date: 12 November 2025
Nine young people have successfully completed the latest BLAZE course run by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
The course aims to promote personal resilience, improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and build healthy communities with students with a wide range of complex needs.
During the course, the pupils aged 13-16 from Educate U, a specialist school based in Worthing, took part in a diverse programme of firefighter simulated exercises and activities to support their social and emotional development.
This combination of drill yard skills such as running hoses and squirting water, alongside teambuilding challenges, first aid training, and communication activities, helps to equip young people with lifelong skills and improve their confidence.
A special pass out parade was held to celebrate the pupils’ achievements on Friday (7 November) at Lancing Fire Station in front of their proud families and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks.
Station Manager, James Crockett, attended the event and presented the young people with their certificates.
Speaking after the event he said: “It was a pleasure to meet our latest BLAZE students.
“Their dedication and hard work have been truly impressive, and it’s inspiring to see their growing confidence.
“This course provides them with a real sense of accomplishment, and they should be very proud of everything they have achieved.”
Also attending was Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, who added: “BLAZE is a great example of the inclusive and impactful work our Targeted Education Team is doing with young people. Programmes like this play a vital role in building confidence, self-esteem, and resilience in young people which contributes to stronger, safer communities across West Sussex.”
Dr Tim Fooks agreed, stating: “As High Sheriff I am privileged to be able to attend many inspiring events, but watching the young people, who have engaged in a week of BLAZE training, carry out their drills is one of the most special.
"Their enthusiasm, energy and absolute commitment to the task is a great credit to them, both as individuals and as a team. Their ability to work together so effectively was wonderful for the families to observe and demonstrated the skill of their WSFRS leaders who have helped them to achieve so much in such a short time.
"I have no doubt that they will have grown in confidence due to their participation in the programme and that they will carry this with them into the future."
Find out more about West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Targeted Education programmes.
