East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) has welcomed a new group of wholetime firefighters. The recruits held a formal Pass Out Parade on 23 October 2026 at the Service Training Centre in Maresfield, marking the end of the service’s 43rd Wholetime Firefighter Recruit Course.
ESFRS covers East Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Senior officers, Fire Authority Members, instructors and the recruits’ family and friends attended the parade.
What the recruits trained for
The recruits learned firefighting techniques, how to respond to road traffic collisions, working at height, water rescue and hazardous materials. They also trained in first aid and medical response and in breathing apparatus.
Assessment combined practical exercises with theory exams, to confirm the recruits could respond safely and effectively as part of an operational crew, according to ESFRS.
The 5km fire engine pull in Hove
Days before the parade, the recruits took on a 5km charity fire engine pull along Hove seafront. It took place at 11am on Tuesday 20 October, on the Hove Lawns park run route, according to the service’s own page on the event.
The service says the 16 recruits on the 43rd course are raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity, which supports serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel and their families.
Oliver Wilson, Station Manager for Operational Training, said the recruits are “at the very start of their firefighting careers”, and called the challenge an example of dedication and community spirit.
How to become a firefighter in East Sussex
Applications for wholetime firefighters have closed. ESFRS is currently recruiting On-Call firefighters, and its roles range from firefighters and managers to finance, HR and procurement. Current vacancies are listed on the service’s careers page.
ImJustBrighton note. This report is based on ESFRS’s press release of 26 October 2026 and its page on the charity fire engine pull. Photos are credited to East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
Comments
No comments yet. Start the conversation.