The Guyana Fire Service’s human resources are expected to be bolstered as 74 new recruits successfully completed their training and would soon join the ranks.
The recruits, carefully selected from the 10 administrative regions across the country, have undergone rigorous training to prepare them for the challenges of firefighting and emergency response.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Monday attended the graduation ceremony at the Leonora Training School, where the GFS commended the recruits, “Their commitment and dedication have been commendable throughout the training period.”
Ya’el Yarris was awarded Best Graduating Student and Best in Theory while Akeem Fraser was recognised as the Runner-Up. Meanwhile, Una Motilall was identified as Most Improved Student; Leon Bizzeth as Best Drill Student; and Wayne Mc Lennan as Best Practical Firefighter.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and ranks of the GFS with the new recruits at Monday’s graduation exercise
“These outstanding individuals have showcased exceptional skills and determination, setting a high standard for their peers and embodying the values of the Guyana Fire Service,” the Fire Service noted.
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Minister expressed his pride in the achievements of the graduating batch, emphasising the crucial role they will play in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Guyanese population. He also lauded instructors and staff at the Leonora Training School for their dedication and commitment to shaping the future of the Fire Service.
The GFS added, “As the newly-graduated firefighters embark on their professional journey, the Guyana Fire Service anticipates a strengthened force capable of responding to emergencies with efficiency and expertise.”
Part of the extensive firefighting training includes response to fires, hazardous material incidents, vehicular crashes and extrications, and swift water rescue.
New fire stations were planned for new townships – Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini); Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The Fire Service was also getting ready to build a fire station in Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Collectively, the fire stations in the county of Berbice: New Amsterdam and Rose Hall Town, which are in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and Onverwagt in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) make up the Berbice Fire Division. But authorities were mulling another station at Rose Hall earlier this year, having witnessed an alarming number of fires in the area.
Last year, the Eccles Fire Station was commissioned at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, at a cost of approximately $37.8 million to provide fire and rescue services to persons living on the East Bank of Demerara from Agricola to Providence, and lend support to residents of West Demerara.
As these new emergency response locations come on stream, so will the need for increased personnel to man these operations. (G12)
