Release date: 9 March 2026
Eight new on-call firefighters have joined West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service after successfully completing their initial two-week training course.
On-call firefighters often have full-time employment elsewhere but respond to emergency calls within their local area.
The new recruits live or work nearby to one of the service’s fire stations and will respond to emergencies either from their place of work or from home.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Area Manager for Service Delivery, Ady Carter, presented the recruits with their certificates at Platinum House in Horsham on Friday (6 March) in front of their proud families.
Speaking after the event, he said: “It was a pleasure to attend the pass out parade and welcome our new on‑call firefighters into the service.
“Their training has been demanding and fast‑paced, but every recruit has shown exceptional determination and commitment to the course.
“They are now well‑prepared to join their stations and respond to emergencies with professionalism and confidence, and I look forward to seeing them progress throughout their careers.”
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “I would like to congratulate our new on-call firefighters. Our on‑call crews play an essential role in keeping communities safe, and I have no doubt that these new recruits will be a fantastic addition to their stations. I wish them every success as they begin their careers with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.”
The new firefighters, and where they will be based, are:
- Luke Day, East Preston
- Harvie Walton, Turners Hill
- Kraig Melville-Bellwood, Midhurst
- James Ayling, Arundel
- Louie Willmett, Midhurst
- Lucy Cooper, Haywards Heath
- Vincent Rowe, Selsey
- Sebastian Wattam, East Preston
People can find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter.
