A considerably large and appreciable crowd, from across the island, filled to capacity a specially-prepared dining area, at the brand new Fire Hall at the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, for the 4th Annual Firemen’s Ball on Saturday night, October 12.
The Ball, along with an awards ceremony, predominantly a formal dinner, climaxed a series of fire awareness activities that brought the men and women of the Fire and Rescue Services into much contact with the public.
It was the first time that the annual event was held at the modern, spacious and well-equipped Fire Hall, home for three new Fire Trucks provided by the UK Government at a cost of almost three million US dollars. The recently-completed Fire Hall provides a suite of attractively-furnished offices on the ground floor; vastly-improved sleeping quarters on the second floor – and on the third level is the new and costly Air Traffic Control Tower. Combined with a sprawling parking area, all of this augurs very well not only for the enviable operations of a high standard aerodrome, but also the hopeful expansion of the airport runway.
It was against such a splendid backdrop that the Fire and Rescue Services understandably felt proud to have the celebrated event on its own premises rather than at one of the island’s leading restaurants thereby reducing costs and showing off its pleasing Fire Hall.
The Minister having responsibility for the airport and its facilities, Mr. Curtis Richardson, was among the Government officials at the Firemen’s Ball. The others were Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, and the Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Evalie Bradley.
Minister Richardson said the Fire Officers had also undertaken to hold their event on their premises to demonstrate what the new building meant to them. “Most of you, who were not here before, can see that this is a vast improvement on where they were many years ago – and I just want all of you to enjoy yourselves,” he told the diners.
Highly-qualified Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Shondell Hodge, a proponent for the improved services at his department, not only spoke about the responsibilities of his 60-plus officers, but of their outreach efforts to the public. He told the gathering:
“This year, the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service, in cooperation with the Anguilla Electricity Company, launched Fire Prevention Week with the aim of purchasing one thousand smoke alarms to install in the homes of senior citizens over the age of sixty-five. The campaign has been well-received by the people of the island who have once again demonstrated their commitment to a safer Anguilla.” Mr. Hodge was grateful to ANGLEC for its assistance – which he conveyed to the company’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Jemila Morson-Hodge, who chaired the proceedings.
Lead Fire Officer, Mr. Omari Bourne, took the opportunity to thank the members of the public who attended the Firemen’s Ball and the sponsors of the event.
A concluding feature of the Firemen’s Ball was the presentation of awards to a number of officers by Minister Curtis Richardson. The awards were, announced by Fire Officer, Mr. Carlyle Lake, as follows:
Most Outstanding Officer – Omari Bourne
Most Outstanding Firefighter – Tariq Gumbs
Most Improved Firefighter – Keron Brooks
Most Disciplined Firefighter – Tariq Gumbs
Perfect Attendance – Lenard James
Serving Two decades – Shondell Hodge, Donovan Bryan, Janet Morancie
Outstanding Contributions – Romaro Richardson, Craig Emmanuel
Watch of the Year – Blue Watch
Serving Three (3) Decades – Worrell Brooks
