BFRS Installs Alarms At Seniors Residence

June 30, 2025 | 2 Comments

The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service recently installed free smoke alarms for seniors at Elizabeth Hills, as part of its community outreach and fire prevention efforts.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of National Security is pleased to highlight the recent community outreach efforts of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service [BFRS], as part of its ongoing commitment to public safety.

“A team from the BFRS visited the Elizabeth Hills seniors’ residences on Happy Valley Road in Pembroke, where they installed free smoke detectors in approximately 15 apartments.

“This initiative forms part of the BFRS’s fire prevention and community outreach programmes and provides residents with fire safety literature and smoke alarm brochures.”

The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, praised the initiative, stating: “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated men and women of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service for their outstanding service to our community.

“Their proactive approach to fire prevention, particularly in safeguarding our seniors, reflects the very best of public service.

“Our seniors hold a special place in my heart, and I am deeply appreciative of efforts like these that help keep them safe. I also want to sincerely thank Mr. John Barritt, a former Parliamentarian and the chairman of the Bermuda Housing Trust for his support in facilitating this important initiative.”

Acting Chief Fire Officer Troy Furbert added: “The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service is proud to serve our community in emergencies and through preventative measures like this.

“Our mission is to protect life and property, and initiatives such as these demonstrate the dedication of our team to making a positive impact. We will continue to engage with our most vulnerable residents to promote safety and peace of mind.”

Mr Barritt commented: “We very much appreciate the unsolicited contribution of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service in this important way. It was a pleasant and welcome surprise.

“The Trust’s legislated mandate is to provide affordable rental accommodation for our seniors, that is as affordable as possible. We have also had a long-standing policy of never raising rents on sitting tenants.

“There are challenges not the least of which are the rising costs to maintenance of the five properties we manage, some 200 units in total.

“So when the Fire Service stepped up with their offer to assist in this way we embraced it without hesitation. New smoke alarms also add to the safety and security of our seniors. The BFRS is to be commended for its charity and pro-active work in the community.”

John Barritt, Minister Weeks, and BFRS Summer Student Jalon Smith help install a smoke alarm inside the apartment of Alan Bean