West Sussex on-call firefighters follow in their father’s footsteps

Friday, 23 May 2025 06:05

Two new on-call firefighters have followed in their father’s footsteps and joined retained fire stations in West Sussex.

Harvey Betts has joined the crew at Billingshurst Fire Station, while Alex Knight has become a third-generation firefighter at Henfield Fire Station.

Both recently completed the initial two-week training course.

“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter, ever since I was a small boy,” said Firefighter Betts.

“Watching my old man go out on the pump with Billingshurst really inspired that sense of enthusiasm and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“The crew at Billingshurst have been a huge support and have offered me lots of advice and guidance so I can’t wait to return the favour when I get on station.”

Among the new recruits is Megan Grover, who will be serving at Haywards Heath. She said: “The training is hard work but overall, my experience has been amazing.

“There was a lot to learn, and the staff have been wonderful at pushing and guiding us to succeed.

“Each day I fell in love with it more and more. The atmosphere is amazing and it’s somewhere I really want to be.”

Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “Congratulations to our new on-call firefighters. They have a vital role to play in keeping people safe and I know they will make their communities proud. I wish them all a long and successful career within the service.”

The new firefighters, and where they will be based, are:

• Alex Knight, Henfield
• Megan Grover, Haywards Heath
• Dale Mason, Chichester
• Harvey Betts, Billingshurst
• Joseph Robinson, Storrington

West Sussex on-call firefighters follow in their father’s footsteps

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