Billingshurst Fire Station: Ben Marshall qualifies as Crew Manager

Billingshurst Fire Station news round-up

This month we celebrated Ben Marshall successfully completing his Crew Manager development phase to progress onto Competent stage. This is a process that takes at least 18 months and involves extensive practical and theoretical assessments. For the final stage, CM Marshall was required to lead an exercise to demonstrate a safe and effective resolution to an emergency incident, while acting as the Incident Commander.

On this occasion, Ben oversaw a simulated Road Traffic Collision, and had to organise the release of a trapped driver while also in Command of several Fire Crews. CM Marshall demonstrated his competence to a good standard and resolved the incident/exercise and as a result is now considered ready to be in charge should a real incident occur. Congratulations to Ben for reaching this impressive milestone in his career.

Over the recent weeks and months our team at Billingshurst have noticed a steep climb in anti-social fire starting, where logs, bushes and rubbish are being set alight in often dangerous conditions. Now that we are moving into the summer months and the grass and vegetation is drying out, reckless fires have the potential to rapidly grow out of control, potentially threatening property and lives. We are urging everyone to be sensible and to be especially careful, only have a fire if in a safe condition and to ensure cigarettes are out before disposing of them. Finally, the crew had the pleasure of attending the Plaistow and Loxwood Maypole Fête where we had the opportunity to talk to a wide range of people about fire safety, we were also able to offer our free Safe and Well Service where appropriate. We also enjoyed showing people around the fire engine as always. If you missed us this time, keep an eye out for further local events where we plan to make an appearance!

If you or someone you know would benefit from a free Safe and Well visit, or you would like more information on these, please visit our website: www.westsussex.gov.uk/ fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-andrescue-service Twitter: @Station49Fire Facebook: Billingshurst Fire Station Andy Buddle, Billingshurst Fire Station

Photos: Ben Marshall (centre) on his qualifying exercise