£10,000 donation helps to fund new vehicle for student fire-fighters

STUDENT firefighters have received a £10,000 donation from Stafford and Rural Homes to help fund a new training vehicle.

The van will come complete with fire-fighting equipment such as a hose and will be used to help train young people studying a BTEC Level 2, Fire and Rescue Service in the Community Award.

Staffordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Dartford said: “We are committed to investing in schemes that help our local communities.

“The student firefighter scheme provides young people with skills and confidence that will assist them in later life and helps provide a sense of pride and achievement in both them and their families.”

Stone Community and Learning Partnership, in conjunction with Stafford County Council, have also donated £30,000 towards the van.

Dale Harrison, Assistant Area Commander for Stafford, said: “We are extremely grateful for this donation. It’s great to have this local support and it means that we can now get our new student firefighter vehicle on the road a lot quicker.”

When the vehicle is not in use by students it will be used to carry out community safety activities and promote fire risk checks throughout the borough.

Stafford and Rural Homes chief executive Karen Armitage added: “Barclays Bank have provided community investment money to us for schemes that both organisations felt would promote better communities.

“We have invested a substantial sum in the Staffordshire Credit Union and we think this investment in a student firefighter vehicle is an equally fantastic investment as it is a service that is valued so much by everybody.”