40 fire service ranks receive refresher training in heavy-duty driving

Forty ranks of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have benefited from refresher training in heavy-duty driving as part of the service’s ongoing efforts to promote safer driving practices and strengthen the operational readiness of its emergency vehicle operators.
The training, facilitated by the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Traffic Department, was conducted on Thursday at the GFS Headquarters, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.
Participants were drawn from Campbellville, La Grange, Eccles, and Diamond Fire Stations, and were refreshed on the general rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and best practices for the safe operation and maintenance of emergency vehicles.

The Course Coordinator and Station Officer (Operations), Rovin Thomas, underscored the importance and timeliness of the training, particularly in light of recent incidents involving fire tenders while responding to emergencies.
“Due to the recent occurrences of fire tenders being involved in accidents while responding to emergencies, rendering the appliances inoperable and significantly reducing our fleet, it was timely to conduct refresher training,” he said.
He noted that the programme also served as an important reminder to drivers of their responsibility to the public and the need to carry out their duties in a safe and professional manner.
Delivering brief closing remarks, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Gregory Wickham encouraged the participants to make safety a priority whenever operating the service’s vehicles.
He emphasised that safe driving practices are critical, not only to protecting the lives of firefighters and other road users, but also to safeguarding the service’s vehicles and equipment.
Emergency vehicle drivers have a significant responsibility, particularly when responding to incidents where every second counts. The refresher programme therefore seeks to reinforce the importance of balancing a swift emergency response with responsible and defensive driving practices.
This training will be continuous to ensure drivers at fire stations throughout the country are given an opportunity to benefit. The ranks will also receive certification for this training.