‘Tough, challenging week’ for FireBreak students

Following an intensive week-long course at Shoreham Fire Station, the students performed two fire drills at a special pass-out ceremony last Friday, in front of an invited audience of family and friends.

Certificates were presented by Roy Barraclough, West Sussex Fire and Rescue group manager.

He said: “Helping young people is a really important part of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s work.

“Students are nominated for FireBreak by their schools because they feel they would benefit from a learning experience away from the school environment.

“FireBreak is a tough, challenging week for all the students and they should take great confidence from their achievement. We now hope that they use this course as a springboard to continue achieving in other areas of their life, both inside and outside of the school environment.”

The FireBreak scheme is aimed at young people aged 12 to 14 and promotes a culture of safety and community awareness, actively encouraging students to become positive role models among their peers.

The students work side by side with firefighters on a structured programme of events that combine both classroom-based workshops with practical activities, including fire service drills.

During the week, the students achieved a British Heart Foundation HeartStart first aid qualification. They also learned about the importance of fire safety and the personal and social impacts of road traffic collisions.