New Ladder Truck, Recruits To Train Overseas
The thirteen new Fire Service recruits will travel to Canada for training, the Fire Service is completing negotiations with an overseas vendor for a new ladder truck, and they have also started talks with vendors for a new ambulance to support the only BFRS ambulance currently in service.
This was from Minister of National Security Wayne Caines as he provided an update on the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service in the House of Assembly today [July 20].
Minister Caines said, “I would first like to report on the 13 newest recruits who have embarked on their training to become Bermuda’s latest Firefighter/EMTs. The recruits are currently in their 25th week of training.
“Tomorrow, they will travel to Pearson Airport in Canada to complete a four week course which will involve aircraft firefighting. It is anticipated that all of the recruits will successfully pass all training elements – locally and overseas.
Group photo of Fire Officers taken this week, including the new recruits who will be travelling to Canada:
“The BFRS has a need to update some of its emergency vehicles. To this end, the Fire Service Management team is completing negotiations with an overseas vendor to start the building process for a new ladder truck to replace the current vehicle; the 20 year old ‘Bronto’. Manufacture of the new vehicle will take approximately one year, to commence once a contract agreement has been reached and signed.
“The BFRS has also started talks with vendors for the purchase and design of a new ambulance to support the only BFRS ambulance currently in service. This purchase will ensure that the Fire Service can sustain its mandate to provide an East End Ambulance service to the community as part of a Memorandum with the Bermuda Hospitals Board to reduce response times in the East end of the Island.
“The BFRS remains committed to attracting young people interested in career in fire safety. As of the beginning of this month, the BFRS has engaged 5 summer students on a work shadow program.
“The Fire Service Recharge to the Corporation of Hamilton has finally been written off to the value of $6,270,950.39, as a gesture of good will. These costs were incurred due to Bermuda Fire and Rescue responding to calls within the city limits.
“In exchange, the Corporation of Hamilton has offset the cost charged to the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services for the rental of the King Street property. This is now no owing balance remaining for either party.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to remind Honourable Members and the public of the wonderful work that the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service provide for the citizens and visitors to this Island.
I would first like to report on the 13 newest recruits who have embarked on their training to become Bermuda’s latest Firefighter/EMTs. The recruits are currently in their 25th week of training. Tomorrow, they will travel to Pearson Airport in Canada to complete a four [4] week course which will involve aircraft firefighting. It is anticipated that all of the recruits will successfully pass all training elements – locally and overseas. The recruits will then prepare for the passing out parade before taking on theirs new roles as BFRS Firefighters/EMTs. I look forward to congratulating each of the new recruits as they take on this exciting career with the BFRS.
Mr. Speaker, the BFRS has a need to update some of its emergency vehicles. To this end, the Fire Service Management team is completing negotiations with an overseas vendor to start the building process for a new ladder truck to replace the current vehicle; the 20 year old “Bronto”. Manufacture of the new vehicle will take approximately one year, to commence once a contract agreement has been reached and signed.
The BFRS has also started talks with vendors for the purchase and design of a new ambulance to support the only BFRS ambulance currently in service. This purchase will ensure that the Fire Service can sustain its mandate to provide an East End Ambulance service to the community as part of a Memorandum with the Bermuda Hospitals Board to reduce response times in the East end of the Island.
Mr. Speaker, through robust recruitment and training, coupled with excellent facilities and equipment maintenance, the BFRS aims to:
- i. Keep pace with recent manpower issues due to retirements and normal attrition.
- ii. Ensure adequate emergency vehicle capacities for present and future emergency operations needs.
- iii. Assure the sustainability to handle the prevailing threat of natural disasters such as hurricanes.
- iv. Provide Bermuda with a first class Fire and Rescue Service.
Mr. Speaker, we should also be reminded that this Department provides and carries out a vital role as part of the Emergency Measures Organization; providing not only fire extinguishment but also rescue, flooding abatement, and roof covering and building safety during storms, heavy rain and hurricanes.
Mr. Speaker, the BFRS remains committed to attracting young people interested in career in fire safety. As of the beginning of this month, the BFRS has engaged 5 summer students on a work shadow program. This program will expose students to various service departments such as the fire prevention Division, Operations and the Garage. It is anticipated that the experience will provide the students with an overview of the many facets of the BFRS.
Mr. Speaker, the BFRS has also engaged three Firefighters in the Pan American Health Organisation Disaster Management Course. Firefighters Kingsley Mundy, Christopher Bramwell and Cathy Williams completed the week long training course that started on June 10th, and culminated with an overnight exercise covering various scenarios addressed throughout the week. Each of the participants benefitted greatly from the course and has been able to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, in money matters for the BFRS, the new Fire Safety legislation and associated Regulations have resulted in the Bermuda Government collecting $64,950 in licencing and certificate fees since the Regulations came into force in April 2018.
Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the Fire Service Recharge to the Corporation of Hamilton has finally been written off to the value of $6,270,950.39, as a gesture of good will. These costs were incurred due to Bermuda Fire and Rescue responding to calls within the city limits. In exchange, the Corporation of Hamilton has offset the cost charged to the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services for the rental of the King Street property. This is now no owing balance remaining for either party.
Mr. Speaker, the Fire Service is continuing to investigate the way forward with improvements to the City’s fire fighting capabilities. The existing hydrant system requires repairs and upgrading to keep pace with the fire safety and extinguishing requirements of a modern city. This may mean the purchasing of another portable Hydrant System. The BFRS will continue to work with the Corporation to ensure that the City’s fire safety needs are met in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Mr. Speaker, the men and women of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service provide Bermuda with a professional and abundantly competent fire safety agency. The Ministry of National Security will continue to support the BFRS as Bermuda’s depended upon emergency first responders.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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