East Sussex Fire and Rescue celebrates 50th anniversary

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was formed on April 1, 1974, after the three county borough brigades of Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings joined with East Sussex Fire Brigade.

Although professional firefighting has been around much longer than 50 years, the change brought significant improvement to fire safety for communities across East Sussex.

Staff past and present, special guests, dignitaries, Fire Authority members and volunteers gathered at Saltdean Lido to mark the milestone.

A historical recruitment advert (Image: East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service)

The fire service has a close connection to the lido, with the pool used as a water tank during World War Two for training purposes and it was also used for rescue training in 2023.

Special guests at the anniversary event included Eric Whittaker, former chief fire officer from 1970 to 1984, Peter Holland, chief inspector for the Crown Fire Safety Inspectorate, and Bruce Hoad, past master of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters.

There was a display of memorabilia, donated by Mr Holland, Mr Hoad, Mike Garrett, whose father served at Wadhurst, and Guy Bowes, who works for East Sussex Fire and Rescue.

Guests were also given an insight into the restoration of the 1895 horse-drawn steam fire engine, the Merryweather, which was returned to the county in 2023 after being loaned to the Fire Service National Museum Trust in 1984.

A matchbox replica model of a Merryweather horse drawn steam powered fire engine (Image: East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service)

Also in attendance was deputy mayor of Telscombe Councillor Isobel Sharkey, members of the Fire Authority and past chief fire officers Des Prichard and Gary Walsh.

Chief fire officer Dawn Whittaker said: “We are very proud of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and our rich history of serving the communities of East Sussex and Brighton and Hove. Our history is hugely important.

“It forms the strength of our roots and also, as leaders, we all have a duty and privilege to be custodians of it.

“I was thrilled to host the event and welcome guests to mark this important milestone and thank everyone for their participation and continued support of our service.”