Yet again the efficiency of our firefighters was highlighted (Argus, May 16) when 20 from Hove and Brighton brought under control a blaze at a detached house in Hove.

Incident commander Gary Alexander of Hove fire station said: "The hydraulic platform saved us a lot of time because, in a fire like this, the most important thing is to ventilate the roof, allowing firefighters to get into the loft.

We managed to tackle the flames quickly, which stopped it spreading."

I very much welcomed his comments, because my mind flitted back to when I was vice-chairman of East Sussex County Council public protection committee and strongly campaigned against a proposal to severely cut staff at Hove fire station.

These cuts would have badly reduced fire cover and affected the full use of the hydraulic platform - so important in Hove with its many multi-storied buildings - bringing a high risk to life.

After a hard fight, with support from Hove councillors of all parties, the fire brigade's union and residents, we succeeded in saving several posts and ensured the hydraulic platform continued in service.

However, I paid a personal price, being axed as committee vice-chairman for not toeing the party line.

But I'd do the same again because I considered it more important to put people and conscience before politics. Mr Alexander's comments somewhat belatedly proved me right.

-Jim Marshall, Goldstone Crescent, Hove