The firefighting capabilities of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) recently received a significant boost with the graduation of 97 new firefighters from its training centre located at Leonora, Region Three, following a rigorous three-month training course, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) announced yesterday.
The training course, which began on May 13, included theoretical instruction in the fire service order, the history and structure of the fire service, discipline, control room attendance, firefighter safety and health, hoses and fittings, and water supply and hydrants.
The graduating batch, which is the largest cohort of recruits to graduate from the fire service training centre, comprised11 persons from Region One; 11 from Region Three; 34 from Region Four; 14 from Region Five; four from Region Six; six from Region Seven, nine from Region Nine, and 10 from Region Ten.
The graduation ceremony witnessed the demonstration of various firefighting tactics, including the use of breathing apparatus, firefighter lifts, ladder drills, and pump drills.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, the guest speaker at the ceremony, spoke of the government’s significant efforts to expand the GFS through the procurement of new and improved firefighting equipment and the construction of new facilities.
The DPI noted that four new stations are currently being built across the country, bringing the total number to 22.
Benn also mentioned the many opportunities the government has made available to young people in keeping with its manifesto’s commitments
“We are doing these things, not simply as a way of keeping the promises, putting the promises in the physical assets and architecture on the ground, but also in the development of our young people who are very well represented here today by the young inductees into the Guyana Fire Service.”
The minister also commended the graduates for their disciplined and coordinated approach during their simulation exercises and encouraged them to maintain a high level of commitment and discipline as they advance in their careers.
“When we are making the investments and the training in young people, and when we are looking at upgrading our methodologies and approach to firefighting, it is because we want to see continuous improvement, progress and development in our country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, underscored that the recruits from various regions reflect the fire service’s strategic plan for diversity. And now that they are equipped with the relevant firefighting skills, he urged them to demonstrate their abilities and embrace discipline and camaraderie when they return to their respective regions.
Firefighters were awarded prizes for best student, most improved student, best physical firefighter, best drill student, and best practical firefighter, the release added.
