Firefighters answering call to serve

From saving a child during a fire to operating heavy-duty appliances and confronting the loss of life, three Guyana Fire Service members share their experiences, training and commitment to duty.

For leading fireman Omvinda Persaud, a career in the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has meant more than responding to emergencies. It has involved continuous training, service across several departments and confronting the difficult realities of fires, including the loss of lives and property.
Likewise, for firewoman 183 Melleisa Joseph and firewoman 224 Kathy Scott, their careers have also involved expanding their skills beyond traditional firefighting duties, with both women qualifying to operate heavy-duty vehicles and undertaking responsibilities in emergency coordination.
Their experiences were highlighted in separate profiles released by the GFS on its social media page, offering an insight into the demands of the profession and the opportunities available to personnel willing to pursue further training.
Persaud joined the GFS on October 15, 2014, and has since gained experience in several areas of the organisation, including Aerodrome Firefighting, the Fire Prevention Department, the Training School and the Administration Department.
Between 2020 and 2022, he was attached to the Office of the Chief Fire Officer before moving to his current assignment in the Operations Department, where he continues to respond to fires and other emergencies.

His operational work recently earned him commendation after he saved the life of a 13-year-old girl during a fire at the Children and Family Home in Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
Persaud has also pursued specialised training to strengthen his ability to perform his duties. His completed in-service programmes include the Internal Drill Instructor Course, Defensive Driving Course, Heavy-Duty Driving Course, Excavator Operator’s Course and Bronto Skylift Course.

The GFS said that he holds an International Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from NEBOSH and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety at the University of Guyana.
Despite the training and experience accumulated over more than a decade, Persaud acknowledged that firefighting comes with experiences that can be difficult to overcome.
Witnessing the loss of lives and property to fires has been among the most challenging aspects of his career. However, those experiences are balanced by the satisfaction of saving lives and protecting property from destruction.
“I will forever be grateful to the Guyana Fire Service for the opportunities, training and trust given to me. I pledge to continue serving the people of Guyana with dedication, discipline and a commitment to safety,” Persaud said.
His career reflects the combination of practical experience, specialised training and continued education required to perform the varied responsibilities of the Service.

Heavy-duty driving
For Joseph, professional development began soon after she joined the GFS in February 2023.
Within two months of entering the organisation, she completed the Heavy-Duty Driving Course at the Leonora Training School in April 2023, gaining the skills required to operate heavy-duty vehicles.
Her achievement comes as the GFS continues to expand its pool of trained heavy-duty drivers, including women taking on responsibilities in an area traditionally dominated by men.
Joseph has also served as a Control Room Attendant, a position that places personnel at the centre of emergency coordination.
In that role, she was responsible for dispatching the appropriate fire appliances to their designated mobilisation areas. The work requires communication, accuracy and timely decisions to help coordinate the Service’s response to emergencies.
Her experience in the Control Room provided exposure to the coordination of emergency operations, complementing the practical skills gained through her driving training.
Joseph has also completed a Customer Service and Public Engagement Course, adding to her professional development within the organisation.
The GFS has identified the expansion of its complement of trained heavy-duty drivers as an important operational priority. Providing female firefighters with opportunities to undertake specialised training also allows them to develop their skills and assume additional responsibilities within the organisation.
For Joseph, learning to operate heavy-duty vehicles represents an opportunity to contribute to the Service’s operational capacity while advancing professionally.
Driving duties with firefighting
Scott joined the GFS on May 13, 2024, and has since taken on several responsibilities, serving as a firefighter, Senior Control Room Attendant and qualified light- and heavy-duty driver.
Attached to Blue Watch, she completed the Heavy-Duty Driving Course at the GFS Training School on September 7, 2024.
Since July 2026, she has been stationed in the Operations Department, where she serves in the driving pool and operates water tenders and water carriers when required.
Her role contributes to the Service’s operational requirements as it continues to strengthen its complement of trained drivers. Like Joseph, Scott has entered a specialised area of work in which women are taking on responsibilities traditionally dominated by men.
However, her duties behind the wheel have not replaced her work as a firefighter. Scott continues to respond to fire calls and participate in firefighting operations, carrying out the responsibilities associated with protecting lives and property.
Among the incidents she has encountered, one fire on Lamaha Street, Georgetown, left a lasting impression.
Scott recalled the discovery of the remains of an elderly man after firefighters had extinguished the blaze. The sight was particularly distressing as she considered what appeared to be the man’s attempt to escape the burning building.
“When I went to see the body, I felt the loss. To see that he was trying to leave and didn’t make it out, it was sad. I felt sad,” she recalled.
The incident brought to mind the opening lines of the Fireman’s Prayer, which reflects the responsibility firefighters accept when called to duty.
“When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever its age”
The words speak to the central responsibility of the profession, to respond when lives are at risk, regardless of the circumstances or the age of those affected.
Scott said that the experience on Lamaha Street, Georgetown was a reminder of the human consequences of fires and the emotional weight that can accompany the work of emergency responders.