A specialised fire-fighting course is being undertaken this week by forty firemen from the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service. In Anguilla to conduct the course is Brian Hutchinson from the Fire Rescue International Training Association of Vancouver, Canada, together with four instructors.
Acting Chief Fire Officer, Shirlon Hughes, welcomed Deputy Governor Perin Bradley, Minister of Infrastructure and Communications Curtis Richardson and his Permanent Secretary Larry Franklin to the launch of the training. Hughes said that the training, which started on Tuesday, will continue until December 3. Subjects to be covered include Hazardous Materials, Firefighting Strategies, Emergency Scene Management, Rapid Intervention, and Fire Behaviour.
Hughes noted that there were many challenges for the fire officers including responding to incidents and accidents. He expressed the hope that the training will address some of the issues in order that the firemen can safely manage their work using the correct techniques, and achieve their main aim which is to save lives.
Hutchinson said that he and his team are pleased to be in Anguilla and it is an honour for them to assist in the inaugural training. He noted that they appreciate all the support they have received and look forward to an on-going training relationship. He said that the fire-fighters will learn techniques and strategies to use on a daily basis, and that the training was being sponsored by the Fire Rescue International Training Association. He observed that the instructors were all working on a voluntary basis.
-Contributed
