Shondell Hodge
As the Anguilla Fire & Rescue Service currently observes Fire Prevention Week, some details have emerged about its improvement.
Mr. Curtis Richardson, Minister of Infrastructure, who has responsibility for the service, told The Anguillian that the Fire & Rescue Service had been improving since he came to office just over five months ago. He said he found that the officers were somewhat disgruntled over the lack of certain basic facilities. He and his Permanent Secretary, Mr. Larry Franklin, visited the department twice, and were able to upgrade their office accommodation and sleeping quarters, including the provision of air-conditioning.
He was pleased to announce that a new building for the fire station, as well as for a new control tower, had been approved and that arrangements were being made for construction work to commence in the near future with public/private partnership funding.
The Minister was aware that there were a number of other challenges, including the need for equipment, but assured the fire officers that his ministry was endeavouring to do all it could to assist them despite the prevailing financial difficulties. He praised the men and women for their dedication to duty, high morale, and the service they are rendering with much efficiency, notwithstanding the unsatisfactory conditions under which they were working.
Meanwhile, Acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Shondell Hodge, called on the community to share the common responsibility of protecting Anguilla from the consequences of uncontrolled fires. “The risk of fire is one of the greatest threats to the health and safety, property and the delivery of essential services in any community,” he stated in a press release.
He encouraged the public to support the Fire & Rescue Service which has as its theme, this year, “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep”. He went on: “Go out, purchase and install smoke alarms in your homes – predominantly in bedrooms and kitchens as well as at your work places. Another critical measure is to ensure fire safety by the use of smoke alarms and to make certain that these devices are tested prior to purchase and monthly after installation. It is simple that ‘Working Smoke Alarms Saves Lives’”.
The Acting Fire Chief revealed that, in keeping with this year’s fire-related statistics, the Anguilla Fire & Rescue Service responded to a total of 116 emergency calls. These comprised 45 bush fires, 25 utility pole fires; 24 motor vehicle accidents, 3 motor vehicle fires, 8 building fires and 11 special services. Utility pole and bush fires showed a slight increase this year over last year.
“As we mark Fire Prevention Week by recommitting to preparedness, we would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by fires and motor vehicle accidents this year, including the brave responders,” Mr. Hodge added. “Your courageous efforts in times of crisis, and your disciple and professionalism, are truly admirable.”
Fire Prevention Week commenced on Sunday, October 4, with a Church Service at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, East End, conducted by Reverend Samuel Knight, the recently-installed Canon. The rest of the programme included visits by fire officers to senior citizen homes and schools; a march in The Valley area on Monday; a drill display at the Social Security parking lot on Thursday; and a dinner/ball at DaVida’s Restaurant on Saturday.
