14 Complete BFRS Foundation Course
The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service [BFRS] celebrated the achievements of 14 recruits last week after they successfully completed the BFRS Foundation Course.
The successful recruits are Ari Cannonier, Jayce Basden, Matthew Mello-Cann, Jacob Estis, Malik Joell, Tariq Sabir, Tarreko Wilson, Corey Torak, Nasir Ray-Georges, Jashon Poyer-Pitcher, Jamori Jones-Tyrell, Kimai Hendrickson, Benjamin Furquan and Azende Furbert.
A spokesperson said, “The certificate presentation ceremony took place at the Hamilton Fire Station on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, in front of family, friends, BFRS officers, and dignitaries.
“While this milestone marks the end of the recruits’ initial training phase, it is also the beginning of the next stage of their professional journey.
“The foundation course is the first step towards becoming fully qualified firefighters and emergency medical technicians in Bermuda.”
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks participated in presenting the awards alongside Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell and congratulated the recruits, stating: “Today is more than the end of your training. It is the beginning of a career of service, discipline, and purpose”.
“You have been through weeks of demanding training physically, mentally, and emotionally, and you have proven that you have what it takes to wear this uniform”.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of family and friends in the recruits’ success, stating: “Your encouragement, understanding, and sacrifices have been the quiet strength behind these recruits’ success. This achievement is yours as much as it is theirs. Without your support, many would not be standing here in uniform today.”
The spokesperson said, “Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell commended the recruits’ performance while emphasising the importance of the next stage in their development, highlighting that they have successfully completed an important first step, but that the journey is not over.”
He emphasised, “Over the coming months, you will gain crucial work experience in preparation for your National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians test, and that step is every bit as important as the training you have just completed, and it will further define your readiness to serve.”
The spokesperson said, “The foundation training covered various firefighting and emergency response skills, including fire ground operations, hazardous material handling, water rescue, road traffic collision response, and emergency medical care. Recruits also underwent rigorous physical training and academic testing.
“The BFRS continues to align its training with UK Fire & Rescue Service industry standards, ensuring that Bermuda’s firefighters are equipped with internationally recognised qualifications and best-practice skills.
“The BFRS is proud that, as part of their comprehensive training, all recruits are expected to earn the Skills for Justice Level 3 award, a UK qualification for professionals in various public and emergency services roles.
“The Ministry of National Security reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the BFRS by recruiting and preparing more Bermudians for this vital public safety role.”
Minister Weeks’ remarks:
Good afternoon everyone,
It is a real pleasure to be here today at the Hamilton Fire Station for this proud and important occasion – the presentation of foundation course certificates to our newest members of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.
To the recruits standing before us, today is more than the end of your training. It is the beginning of a career of service, discipline, and purpose. You have been through weeks of demanding training – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and you have proven that you have what it takes to wear this uniform.
You have learned the skills of firefighting, but also the values that define the BFRS: courage, teamwork, discipline, and commitment to protecting life and property.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the families, partners, and friends who are here today. Your encouragement, understanding, and sacrifices have been the quiet strength behind these recruits’ success. You have lifted their spirits when the training days were long, reassured them when challenges seemed overwhelming, and stood firmly beside them as they worked toward this goal. This achievement is yours as much as it is theirs. Without your support, many would not be standing here in uniform today.
The BFRS is not only about the individual firefighter – it is about the network of support that allows them to answer the call at any hour, in any conditions. Your continued understanding will be vital in the years ahead, because firefighting is a profession that asks much not just of those in uniform, but of those who love them.
To the recruits, I say this: you are joining a proud tradition. The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service is respected not only for its bravery in emergencies but also for its proactive work in preventing harm before it happens. You will be part of a team that the public trusts, a team that runs toward danger when others must run away, a team that makes split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death.
From this day forward, every call you answer will matter. Every inspection, every drill, every bit of training will contribute to the safety of our community. The people of Bermuda will look to you in moments of crisis, and you must be ready, physically fit, mentally sharp, and always committed to the highest standards of professionalism.
As Minister of National Security, I am proud of the progress the BFRS has made in strengthening its ranks, investing in training, and building capacity to serve our people. You are part of that progress. And your work – backed by the unwavering support of your families – will help ensure that Bermuda remains safe, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes our way.
Congratulations to each of you on achieving this milestone. Wear your uniform with pride, serve with honour, and remember that you now carry a responsibility that extends far beyond yourselves. You are guardians of life and property, and your contribution will be felt in every corner of our island.
Thank you.
Chief Fire Officer Lovell’s remarks:
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate a very special occasion in the life of the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service the completion of our 2024/2025 Recruits Foundational Course.
This year’s program has been remarkable for more than one reason. It was the first time in our history that we had two foundational courses intersecting each other. In late 2024, a foundational Airport Rescue Firefighting course began in Newcastle, England. That 2024 cohort successfully completed their Aircraft Rescue Firefighting module before returning to Bermuda — just in time to intersect with our 2025 group, the pioneers who are the first to complete a Bermuda-based foundational course designed to lead to Skills for Justice Level 3 international certification in structural firefighting.
The two streams met during the Emergency Medical Technicians Course, creating a unique moment in which recruits from different programs shared part of their journey together. It was a logistical challenge, but also a fantastic opportunity to blend experiences and perspectives.
In total, fourteen recruits have taken part in this historic training cycle with eight pioneers completing all the requisite training for the Skills for Justice Level 3 certification. While they have achieved this important milestone, their final assessments will be conducted in January 2026, after which their international qualification will be formally awarded.
Over the past 10 weeks, these eight have undergone rigorous training, mastering:
- Fire ground skills and understanding community risks
- Hazardous material operations
- Self-contained breathing apparatus
- Working safely at height
- Water rescue
- Road traffic collisions and extrications
They’ve learned to tie firefighter-specific rescue knots, manage hazardous substances, deploy hoses, extinguish fires, rescue casualties, and provide emergency medical care often all before lunch.
They also faced seven exams, prepared and delivered four mini-teach topics, and gave a 20- minute community risk presentation to instructors and senior officers. Physically, they’ve been pushed to their limits through daily fitness sessions I suspect some discovered muscles they didn’t know existed and may still be avoiding eye contact with the treadmill.
We are obviously very pleased with what they have accomplished, and today we celebrate their success to date. But I must also remind them yes, you have successfully completed an important first step, but the journey is not over. Over the coming months, you will gain crucial work experience in preparation for your National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians test. That step is every bit as important as the training you have just completed, and it will further define your readiness to serve.
This milestone also reflects the fact that our Training Division is evolving. We are deliberately aligning ourselves with UK Fire & Rescue Service industry standards, adopting best practices that strengthen both our capability and credibility. This change in direction also represents a change in philosophy — moving away from the idea of simply “training” people, and instead focusing on learning and development. Training gives you skills; learning and development shapes professionals who continue to grow, adapt, and lead throughout their careers.
Both Sgt. O’Brien and Sgt. DeSilva are also on their own professional development journey, working toward becoming qualified Assessors through our partnership with KLamb Associates.
This is part of our broader vision to build a fully qualified, highly competent BFRS training team right here in Bermuda.
This journey began with them assisting in the delivery of the first recruit course in Bermuda for many years, supported by KLamb Associates. Going forward, this partnership will include:
- Assessor qualifications
- Teaching qualifications
- Dedicated instructor courses in Breathing Apparatus, Road Traffic Collisions, Hazardous Materials, Water Safety, and Working at Heights
All of this supports our vision of best-practice learning and development delivered in Bermuda by BFRS instructors, ensuring that future recruits receive world-class preparation without ever leaving the island.
This course could not have been accomplished without the efforts of many present today. We wish to express our appreciation for the support provided by the Government of Bermuda, in particular Minister Michael Weeks, JP, MP. My unreserved thanks go to the hardworking staff of the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service; our combined cohort of training officers from BFRS and KLamb Associates; our Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Nurse Rache Hodsoll; the Newcastle International Training Academy, Graham Reeve, and Gary Wright; Ms. Regina Ferguson of Public Lands and Buildings; and Ms. Joanna Cranfield of the Bermuda Land Management Corporation for their valued support.
This speech could be much longer but instead, I encourage you to speak with our recruits afterward. They can tell you first-hand what this journey has meant to them.
To our recruits you began as individuals, but today you stand as members of one of the most respected and trusted professions in the world. The helmet, the uniform, and the badge carry great responsibility and even greater honor.
Remember firefighting is a team sport. Keep looking out for each other, keep learning, and keep your sense of humor. You’ll need it.
Congratulations we are proud of you, we believe in you, and we look forward to serving alongside you.
