Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service Promotions

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service has promoted four of its personnel, including Sergeants Leonard Davis and Albert “Jay” Donawa being promoted to Lieutenants, and firefighters DeRoy Somner and David Malpas being promoted to Sergeant.

Fire Service spokesperson Sergeant Jamal Albuoy said, “Succession planning is a natural cycle within any organization, and the BFRS is continuously seeking to provide the community with confident and competent leadership at all levels within the Department.”

“This will allow for critical knowledge and skills to be passed on to maintain the current level of professionalism and set even higher standards going forward in the future. Congratulations to these four gentlemen for reaching this milestone in their careers and we wish them all the best going forward in their new roles. ”

“Leonard Davis joined the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service [BFRS] in 1996 as a Firefighter. In 2002, Leonard was promoted to the post of Sergeant within the Department. Leonard has been attached to the Training, Staff, Airport and Operations Divisions. Leonard obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree.

“He is qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate [EMT- I]. In addition, he is a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation [CPR] and Basic Life Support [BLS] Instructor for the American Heart Association. In 2014, Leonard traveled to the United Kingdom [UK] to the Fire Service College and completed the International Divisional Command Course [IDCC].”

“Some of the other courses Leonard has completed are: the International Fire Training Centre [IFTC] Supervisor Initial, Skills for Justice: Advanced Incident Command, National Fire Protection Association [NFPA] 1041 Fire Service Instructor I and the Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Tactical Commander [JESITC] Course.

“On May 1st, 2015, Leonard was promoted to the post of Lieutenant and currently serves as a Station Commander assigned to the Operations Division.”

“David Malpas joined BFRS as a volunteer Firefighter in 1986 and full-time in 1987. Due to his exceptional hand/eye coordination, David acquired his “A” and “B” Class Emergency Driver’s License in 1991. He then became a qualified Bronto Skylift Driver/Operator in 2000.

“David has represented the Fire Service at the World Firefighter Games in soccer in Durban, South Africa May 1998 and in Paris, France July 2000. In October 2004, David was the recipient of the Long Service Award after the completion of 18 years of continuous service within the Department.

“He has been attached to Fire Dispatch and Operations Divisions. David has undertaken various professional development workshops such as: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the NFPA Fire Instructor I in preparation for advancement within the Department.”

“David recently returned from the Dominican Republic after participating in the Junior Officer Leadership Academy [JOLA] program. On May 1st, 2015, he was promoted to the post of Sergeant and currently serves as a Duty Sergeant assigned to the Operations Division.

“In 1996, Albert “Jay” Donawa earned his Bachelor of Science from Auburn University. However, he sought to pursue other aspirations and joined BFRS in 1999. In 2007, Jay was promoted to the post of Sergeant within the Department. In addition, he is qualified as an EMT- I.”

“In 2014, Jay traveled to the UK to the Fire Service College and completed the Road Traffic Collision [RTC] Instructor Course. Earlier this year, Jay traveled to Texas to Dallas/Fort Worth Fire Training Research Center and completed the NFPA Fire Officer I course. Jay has been attached to the Staff, Airport, and Operations Division.

“On May 1st, 2015, Jay was promoted to the post of Lieutenant and currently serves as a Training Officer assigned to the Training Division.

“DeRoy Somner joined BFRS in 1996 as a Firefighter. DeRoy became a qualified EMT-I shortly after his two year probationary period. This new acquired skill, allowed him to administer certain approved drugs intravenously and other more advanced EMS skill sets. As time progressed DeRoy acquired his “A” and “B” Class Emergency Driver’s License.”

“He then became a qualified Bronto Skylift Driver/Operator. Consequently, DeRoy has enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering his time to drive the Bronto Skylift to various schools throughout the island to assist with their Easter Egg Drop.

“In 2004, DeRoy travelled with the Bermuda Regiment to Jamaica as an EMT-I to assist the soldiers in the field during their training camp. He then repeated a tour with the Regiment in Barbados as an EMT-I for another training exercise. DeRoy saw the need to advance his career within the Department and “climb” the corporate ladder himself and passed the Sergeant Promotional Exam in 2010.”

“Shortly thereafter, he was afforded the opportunity to act in the capacity as a Sergeant. Based on his consistent work ethic and Driver Instructor potential, DeRoy was selected to travel to the Fire Service College in the UK to become a certified Emergency Driving Instructor. His 19 year career has been attached to the Operations Division; however, DeRoy is always willing to serve in other capacities when called upon.

“On May 1st, 2015, DeRoy was promoted to the post of Sergeant and currently serves as a Duty Sergeant assigned to the Operations Division. He is very grateful to his family for supporting him during the past 19 years. But most importantly he gives thanks to God for being the head of his life.”

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Category: Accidents and fires, All, News