Sackers worker and on-call firefighter's service recognised

Long-standing employee Dominic Brewer works at the Needham Market site and spends his working hours on-call for the fire service, attending more than 100 emergency call-outs in his 3.5 years as a responder.

The recognition comes as the Great Blakenham site experienced two overnight fires in the space of a month.

Mr Brewer, who has worked at the company for nearly 15 years, will now be stepping up to be an officer in charge, allowing him more responsibility in the event of a call-out.

Mr Brewer said: “It’s one of the most satisfying jobs, being able to help others in a time of need.

Sackers employee and on-call firefighter Dominic Brewer (Image: Helen Crapnell, Sackers)

"I’m very grateful that I work for a business who allow me to drop and run whenever there is a fire emergency."

Sackers CEO David Dodds said: “It is good for us to give back to the fire service because we don’t know where we personally would be without them.

"We all know that when you need the help of an emergency service you will do anything for that help at that time. We have experienced it ourselves twice in the last month.

"We are so grateful for what they do and their skills and effort needs some serious kudos. It’s a small price to pay for such an amazing service.”

Sackers CEO David Dodds awards employee and on-call firefighter Dominic Brewer (Image: Helen Crapnell, Sackers)

Martyn Hazelwood, recruitment manager for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service added the service is "desperately" in need of more on-call firefighters, and that it is a "misconception" that you cannot be a firefighter if you already have a job.

On Monday, February 27, the service is holding a recruitment evening at the Needham Market fire station at 7pm, for those who are interested in getting involved.