See below the full statement from the Guyana Fire Service:
Ninety-seven individuals have been added to the Guyana Fire Service’s workforce after successfully completing a three-month training program at the Leonora Training School.
The training, led by Training Officer Delbert Pitt, commenced on May 13, 2024, and concluded on August 13, 2024.
The new recruits, who hail from eight administrative regions across the country, will join the existing workforce to enhance capabilities and improve fire response nationwide.
The top performers were Tiffany Caesar, who was named Best Graduating Student and also received the prize for Best Theory; Kamadiel Gill, Runner-up for Best Student; Thakur Ramroop, Best in Drill; Jeremy Khan, Best in Practical; and Brittany Phillips, the Most Improved Student.
During his remarks, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn emphasized the government’s significant efforts to expand the Guyana Fire Service, including the construction of new fire stations and the hiring of additional personnel.
He underscored the importance of firefighting across various sectors, highlighting the presence of firefighters at aerodromes to support all incoming and outgoing flights, as well as the preparedness of auxiliary and volunteer firefighters in hinterland regions where fire stations are scarce.
Minister Benn urged the graduates to continually strive for self-improvement and to broaden their horizons by setting personal and professional goals.
He stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism, and humanitarianism, reminding them to take pride in their roles and serve as exemplary figures within their communities and the nation. He also emphasized the critical importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), encouraging recruits to prioritize their safety while performing their duties and assisting others.
Addressing the rapid growth of the oil and gas industry and the country’s overall development, Minister Benn noted that the Fire Service must continually enhance its expertise and performance to meet new challenges. He concluded by stating that fire prevention and safety are responsibilities shared by all, and he highlighted the crucial role of fire prevention devices in homes and businesses, which can significantly reduce the occurrence of fires and mitigate damage by enabling quick action.
During his remarks, Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham highlighted that the latest batch of graduates represents the growing diversity within the Guyana Fire Service.
He expressed confidence that the training they received will enable them to manage their duties effectively and perform with confidence. Chief Wickham urged the graduates to be agents of change, embrace discipline and camaraderie, and live up to the expectations set by their training.
The Chief Fire Officer also expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana for its ongoing support, noting that four new stations are currently under construction to supplement the 22 existing stations across the country. Additionally, he said the acquisition of more appliances and specialized equipment for firefighting and rescue operations would significantly enhance the Fire Service’s ability to serve the nation.
He encouraged the graduates to become ambassadors of fire prevention and safety in their communities and to remain confident, calm, and resilient in the performance of their duties.
In conclusion, Wickham admonished the graduates to strive to be the best firefighters they can be, serving as true examples of what a firefighter should embody.
The post 97 new firefighters join Fire Service appeared first on News Room Guyana.
