The Fire Brigades Union has credited Kent firefighters and the local community for forcing the Fire Authority to back down on proposed cuts to the fire service.
Following a mass campaign by Kent FBU, the union has delivered a vital win and saved fire stations from closure, kept fire engines available, and saved firefighters' jobs.
In a crunch Fire Authority meeting, the proposals were overwhelmingly rejected 17-2.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service had originally proposed 63 firefighter posts be cut along with the removal of six fire engines and earmarked five fire stations for closure.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said:
"This is a stunning victory, and I want to congratulate Kent FBU and Kent firefighters for their strong fighting trade union spirit alongside the local community who have been very supportive of our campaign.
"Without our members forthright stand and organising impressive rallies over the last few months, we would not have forced this change.
"This whole episode shows that when working people stand together in unity against bosses plans to erode safety and cut jobs, we are unstoppable.
"Other employers within the fire and rescue service need to understand that wherever they attempt to undermine the safety of firefighters and attack our members livelihoods, the FBU will be there to stop them."
