Release date: 16 January 2026
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has welcomed nine wholetime firefighters to the service after completing their 16-week training course.
The firefighters successfully completed a rigorous training programme designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to protect lives and serve their communities. The course covered essential areas such as the use of breathing apparatus, responding to road traffic collisions, and delivering community safety initiatives.
The training concluded with a pass out parade at Platinum House in Horsham on Thursday 15 January where the recruits demonstrated their response to a simulated road traffic collision and a rescue from the fire station’s drill tower. Family, friends, and future colleagues attended the event to celebrate their achievements.
Chief Fire Officer Gary Ball attended the event and presented the recruits with their certificates. Speaking of their achievements he said: “I am delighted to welcome our nine new wholetime firefighters into the service.
“Their commitment and determination throughout this challenging training have been outstanding.
“They have consistently demonstrated professionalism and high standards, and I am confident these qualities will serve them well as they embark on their careers with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.”
As is tradition, the recruits also completed a charity challenge last month where they each cycled 99.9 miles in nine hours on three exercise bikes while wearing full fire kit and festive hats. Their efforts raised over £3,200 for the Fire Fighters Charity.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue said: “It was a pleasure to attend the pass out parade and congratulate our new firefighters. They have all worked extremely hard to get to this point, and I wish them long, rewarding careers serving the communities of West Sussex.”
The new recruits and where they will be stationed are as follows:
- Sonny Althorpe – Burgess Hill
- Luke Wassell – Haywards Heath
- Dan Heward – Shoreham
- Jorden Edgar-Oliyide – East Grinstead
- Oscar Barker – Chichester
- Dylan Ovenden – Chichester
- Freddie Sewell – Chichester
- Ollie Randall – Chichester
- Luca Castelli – Chichester
