The 43rd wholetime course, who pulled a fire engine along Hove seafront, passed out at Maresfield on 23 October. On-call firefighter jobs are open now.

The trainee firefighters who hauled a fire engine along Hove seafront last week are now qualified. East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service held a Pass Out Parade for its 43rd Wholetime Firefighter Recruit Course on Friday 23 October.

The ceremony took place at the service’s training centre in Maresfield. Senior officers, Fire Authority members, instructors, family and friends came to watch. The service announced the new firefighters on Monday.

What the course covered

The recruits trained in every part of the job. The service lists:

  • firefighting techniques
  • responding to road traffic collisions
  • working at height
  • water rescue
  • hazardous materials
  • first aid and medical response
  • breathing apparatus

They were assessed through practical exercises and written examinations. The service said the aim was to make sure each one “could respond safely, professionally and effectively as part of an operational crew”.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus beside a training unit with thick grey smoke pouring from its doorway
Recruits at a live fire exercise during the course. Photo: supplied by East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

“An asset to the Service”

The service said: “All our recruits have demonstrated exceptional commitment and determination throughout their training as well as a charity fire engine pull! Their hard work and dedication have equipped them with the knowledge and skills to support the vital work of ESFRS in helping to keep our communities safe.”

It added: “The firefighters should be proud of their achievements and will be an asset to the Service and the communities we serve.”

The service also thanked “families and friends who have helped and supported them throughout this process”.

A row of recruits in fire kit with helmets at their feet, listening to an instructor holding a clipboard, with a fire engine behind
Recruits being briefed by an instructor on the training ground. Photo: supplied by East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

The Hove fire engine pull

On Tuesday 20 October the course’s 16 recruits pulled a fire engine 5km along Hove Promenade for The Fire Fighters Charity. We previewed the challenge the week before.

Their JustGiving page showed £4,456 raised from 180 donations this morning, towards a £5,000 target (checked 27 October). That is more than three times the £1,386 it showed on 13 October.

Want to join?

Applications for the latest wholetime intake have closed. The service is recruiting on-call firefighters now.

It is also hiring for other roles, from managers to finance, HR and procurement. Current vacancies are on the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service careers page.