Seventy-four youths graduated from the Guyana Fire Service Training School as the second batch of recruits for the year 2023 earlier today.
The recruits underwent eleven (11) weeks of training, which commenced on October 3, 2023, and concluded on December 15, 2023, led by Assistant Divisional Officer Suresh Persaud.
The new recruits, who hail from nine administrative regions across the country, will be responsible for the manning of various fire stations, with specific attention being placed on Mahdia, Lethem, and Wales.
Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, highlighted during his remarks the importance of fire safety in Guyana and the role of the fire service in preventing loss of life and property.
He expressed gratitude for the efforts of firefighters and EMTs, as he acknowledged that 2023 was a difficult and challenging year that saw the highest loss of life, buildings, and vehicles as a result of fire, specifically those that were maliciously set.
Minister Benn addressed additional challenges, like fake fire calls, and emphasized the importance of fire prevention measures. He also noted that the Fire Service and Police will work together to identify and punish those responsible for prank calls.
The Minister further highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve firefighting and rescue capabilities and emphasized the importance of discipline, continuous improvement, and collaboration to make Guyana safer and more prosperous.
Meanwhile, Fire Chief Gregory Wickham charged the recruits to maintain a high standard of discipline throughout their careers.
He encouraged them to serve with integrity and to use all of the knowledge attained to protect lives and property from fire, thereby becoming an asset to the GFS and the country.
He expressed gratitude for the government’s contribution and commitment to the GFS with regards to training, the acquisition of assets, and overall financial support.
Out of the 74 recruits, 11 were women, constituting 15% of the total. The females dominated the course as one of them copped best graduating student while another was deemed most improved.
The top performers of the batch were: Best Graduating Student and Best Theory: Ya’el Yarris; Runner-up: Akeem Fraser; Best Drill: Leon Bizzeth; Most Improved Student: Una Motilall; and Best Practical: Wayne McLennan.
The Guyana Fire Service extends congratulations to all of the recruits who would have done exceptionally well on the course and encouraged them to go forth and serve with integrity and professionalism.
