Staff profile: Phil Pierpoint

From Fire Fighter, to Maintenance Worker

Phil Pierpoint, our Maintenance Worker at Westall House, isn't your typical career switcher. After a distinguished 29-year career in the Fire Service, Phil found a new way to serve his community at Abbeyfield.

"Retirement wasn't for me," Phil explains. "I can't sit still, and my wife wouldn't have it! When the Westall House position opened, it was perfect – stay busy, use my skills, and meet new people."

Just a few months in, Phil received an incredible honor: participating in the London Remembrance Day Parade. We caught up with him to learn about his firefighting years and this prestigious event.

From Haywards Heath to Heroics

"I spent 29 years with the Fire Service, mostly in Haywards Heath," Phil says. "Originally, I wanted to be a Royal Marine, but my dad steered me towards firefighting. It was the right call."

Phil rose through the ranks, from firefighter to Crew Manager and Watch Manager. He even volunteered for specialized training after 9/11, preparing for major disasters both at home and abroad.

Beyond Blazing Infernos

"Firefighting isn't all emergencies," Phil laughs. "There were the classic cat-in-a-tree calls, but also stranger things – squirrels stuck behind radiators, deer in swimming pools. Those really test your problem-solving skills!"

Marching with Honor

This year, Phil was nominated for the Remembrance Day Parade. "It's an honor to be chosen," he says. "I marched alongside 150 other veterans from police, RNLI, and more."

Preparations were intense. Uniform fittings, hymn practice, and rehearsals filled the weekend. "On parade day, we were up at 5 am, marching down King Charles Street to the Cenotaph," Phil recounts. "We stood guard for almost two hours, but the Royal Marines band kept the spirits high!"

Being part of this momentous occasion was deeply moving for Phil. "It was humbling to be there with fellow veterans," he shares. "And guess what? My wife, who I told to stay home, surprised me by showing up! We even made it onto the BBC coverage together!"

Finding a New Family at Westall House

Today, Phil thrives in his role at Westall House. "It's like a big family here," he says. "Everyone is friendly, from staff to residents. I wanted to stay active and connected, and this job delivers."

"No two days are alike," Phil continues. "One day I'm painting, the next I'm fixing a leaky faucet. But the best part is chatting with the residents and ensuring they have everything they need."

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