The following fire-fighter’s prayer is adopted here for the purpose of launching this story that covers the events surrounding the promotion of 6 fighters and the installation of 17 recruits in the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Services. An amended version of the prayer was offered by Sub-officer Janice Morenci on Thursday evening, August 23rd, at a passing out ceremony at Governor’s House in Old Ta.
The prayer: “When I am called to duty, whenever the flame may rage, give me the strength to save some life whatever may be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of the fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout; help me to quickly and efficiently put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and give the best in me; to guard my very neighbour and protect his property. And if, according to your will, I have to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hands my child and my spouse.”
Following the prayer, HE Governor Timothy Foy, OBE addressed the squad of fire fighters: “It is a great privilege and pleasure to have the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service here this evening. Congratulations to all of you,” he remarked.
“We sometimes tend to take our emergency services for granted. We assume that when we make that 911 call someone will come to the rescue. We have come to expect that. But with the terrible fire event that we saw in Sandy Ground lately, I want to pay particular tribute to every member of the fire services who was involved in bringing a quick and safe end to that incident. I want to especially pay tribute to Mr. Carliski Adams who was injured in the course of duty.”
The Governor continued: “As we take for granted the fact that someone will be there when we are in need, we must realize that the Fire and Rescue Service plays an absolutely central part in our lives in Anguilla. For example without this essential service our airport would not work, because we would not be certified. This is something that we sometimes take for granted.
“It was a pleasure to sit with [Chief Fire Officer] Shondell and carry out the procurement process for the fire tenders that we need. This time we will acquire three new ones. We are not buying any second- hand stuff.” (That was met with much applause)
“The normal instinct of most people is to run away from a fire when they see one. It’s a thing that puts fear in most people. So, as fire fighters, I just want to pay high tribute and respect to you for your courage and your dedication.
When you go to attend a fire, you would never know what will happen there. But we pray that none of you or no one in Anguilla would suffer injury or death through fire. Congratulations to you all once again.”
Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Curtis Richardson, also had high praise for the fire fighters: “A fire fighter’s work is extremely demanding,” he told them. Everyday each of you puts your life in the hands of your colleagues. So I would encourage you all to build a strong bond as brethren and sisters, so that you may be always able and willing to support each other in this risky line of work.
“The recent fire at Sandy Ground must serve as a clear reminder of the perils and dangers of your job. We commend you highly for your performance there, because it is not that often in Anguilla that we see such fires. For that fire, you really put your lives on the line, and you deserve much applause.”
The Minister further stated: “Just after I came into office and I visited your workplace, I realized that you were working under some very dilapidated conditions. Your equipment was not up to par and your living quarters were not up to standard. I made a commitment that I would improve these conditions and I am happy that with the help of the British government and my other colleagues in the administration, we have been able to forge ahead with new equipment and a better day is indeed coming for the improvement of your living quarters as well.”
He added: “I am indeed happy for Mr. Shondell Hodge who has been promoted to Fire Chief. I know that he will do a good job. Shondell, with God’s help you will go on from strength to strength. I ask all of the fire fighters to give him your cooperation and respect. Congratulations to all of you.”
The newly-appointed officers to the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Services include: Mr. Shonell Hodge. Five other officers have been promoted and appointed as Leading Fire Fighters. They are: Lunsford Richardson, Lenard James, Omari Bourne, Khraim Reed and Oral Augustie. In addition, seventeen new recruits have joined the service, namely: Carliski Adams, Me-quan Reid, Kurtne Patterson, Romaro Richardson, Brittney Webster, Tariq Gumbs, El-quan Philips, Xavi Brookes, Jaivaurn Bryson, Javon Bryan, Jaivaurn Bryson, Lester Seraphine, Moreland Payne, Mordell Hodge, Dominique Mussington, Tokisha Charles, Jemima Matthew and Travis Lawrence.
