Most Improved students Chené Dolcy and Roshon Burke were awarded by Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard.
A gruelling six months away from family and loved ones, undergoing training at the Barbados Fire Academy paid off in a big way for 23 young Fire Service Recruits who successfully completed the programme.
Wednesday was the official closing ceremony of the Barbados Fire Academy Auxiliary Fire Officers Recruit Course #39 held at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology.
Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard commended the recruits, remarking that they are a group of many firsts. “You were the first cohort of Fire Service Recruits that were in training for more than six months; you were the first to be confined to barracks for the entire duration of the training programme and you were the first to be trained as Emergency Medical Technicians as part of your recruiting programme.”
“In spite of the isolation periods, you demonstrated that you have chosen the right career, one of resilient brave men and women.”
Highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 to the modus operandi of the BFS, CFO Maynard revealed that programmes were still certified by the Barbados Community College.
“Fire Officer I, II and III which are commonly known as Crew Manager, Watch Manager and Station manager. We were able to have a fee structure approved by the Cabinet of Barbados. This allows us to recover the cost of course delivery both locally and regionally.
He explained that when a candidate completes any of the noted courses at the Barbados Fire Academy, they will also receive a Barbados Community College certification with college credits towards an Associate Degree in Fire Science. He revealed that this programme is currently being developed between the Barbados Fire Academy and the BCC.
The CFO also revealed that a Dispatcher Programme in collaboration with the Emergency Ambulance Service and the BCC is in the process of being developed.” This will set the standard that future Emergency Ambulance Service and BFS dispatchers will have to meet.”
It was also revealed that in an attempt to play a part in the preservations of the environment, the Fire Service is working in collaboration with SOL Barbados to develop some propane gas props. “This will allow us to deliver meaningful training without the burning of diesel and gasoline which are more detrimental to the environment than the cleaner burn by using propane.”
CFO Maynard also revealed that an electronic registry database will allow applicants to register for programmes with little or no human intervention. This programme is expected to be available in January 2021.
