More Fire Stations, Training

Two new fire stations and a sub-station at the Bridgetown Port are in store for the island to help fire officers better deal with fire and emergency rescues.

Acting fire chief Anthony Blackman told the 53rd Chief Fire Officer's Parade at the Arch Hall station yesterday, there were plans for improved infrastructure.

"There have been ongoing discussions with the Barbados Port Authority Inc. in connection with having a sub-station in the Port. This means that officers will have to seek training in marine firefighting. We are also looking forward to the development of a training facility at the old fire station and you will soon be hearing more of that.

"A new fire station is being constructed to replace the existing station at the airport. These facilities will be outfitted with modern pieces of equipment and are to improve working conditions that currently exist for officers," he said.

Blackman added that there was also a proposal to build a new station at Six Roads, St Philip.

The fire chief said they were also developing a stronger academic base for their officers to help enhance their future operations.

"The department is in discussions with the Barbados Community College to establish a degree in fire science and this depends on a memorandum of understanding between the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Community College and Hillsborough Community College. That was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs to be finalised."

The Barbados Fire Service has also established a Caribbean Examination programme to help those who did not achieve certification before; they have covered Mathematics, Accounts, Principles of Business, and English and the tutors have come from within the department.

Training has also been undertaken in the last year and this year in the areas of customer service skills, supervisory management, industrial relations, public service excellence and hazard material awareness.

Blackman said that on August 21 officers were trained in dealing with hazardous materials through a programme co-ordinated between the Barbados Community College, the Fire Service and Hillsborough Community College in Florida, United States.

Five officers also returned to the United States to complete their associate degrees.

The parade was spectacular with various drills and musical accompaniment from the Barbados Prison Service.

The new drill, battle of the axes was done by young fire officers who were trained by chief training instructor at the Regional Police Training School, Christine Stanford.

There was also a roof rescue of an injured man.

Fire Service Week continues with a fair today at the Probyn Street headquarters. (WB)

Source: www.nationnews.com