Sunseeker International Ltd has received an award from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in recognition of its support to on-call firefighters at Hamworthy, Poole and Portland fire stations.

The luxury yacht company allows six members of staff to respond to emergencies from their workplace. At their Dorset sites, Sunseeker has altered the factory layout and workstations to help the on-call firefighters, and also allocated dedicated parking bays close to the site entra

The presentation was made at the Service’s annual awards ceremony on 18 May. Greg Berrisford and Oliver Smart from Sunseeker received the award from Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell, and sponsors Andy Kerr and Fiona Clayton from SSS Public Safety.

Steve Timms, Production Director at Sunseeker International, commented:

"Sunseeker is honoured to have been recognised in the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Awards 2023. With a 2,000-strong workforce living in Dorset, we take our commitment to the local community very seriously. We are proud to support such a worthwhile local service and, in particular, honour the Sunseeker employees who volunteer their time to serve the local community."

Andy Kerr said: “SSS Public Safety is honoured to continue our association with these awards, to pay tribute to firefighters and staff across the Service, and to thank local employers for allowing their staff to be released from duties to attend fire calls.”

Group Manager Stuart Gillion, who manages the fire stations in the BCP area, said: “Sunseeker’s support for our on-call firefighters has included allowing time for training and providing flexibility in working hours. In return, our firefighters use their knowledge and expertise in areas such as fire marshal duties, first aid and guidance with risk assessments. I’m delighted that Sunseeker are being recognised for their outstanding contribution to our Service.”

He added: “If someone is interested in becoming an on-call firefighter, they need to look at our website to see whether there’s an on-call fire station near to where they live or work, then get in touch with us to have a chat about what’s possible. The main things are that people are enthusiastic, want to work as part of a team, and want to be part of their community.”

Working as an on-call firefighter means being involved in a wide range of activities in your local area, including responding to emergency calls, carrying out work in local communities to support their needs and providing prevention advice to help keep people safe.

In return, the fire and rescue service offers flexible work to fit around study, other employment and/or family commitments; first class training and development opportunities; additional income; and a chance to make a difference.

For more information about being an on-call firefighter with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/on-call-firefighters