The Barbados Fire Service remains 25 to 30 officers below its approved strength even after 20 new firefighters graduated last week, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Henderson Patrick has said.
“The fire service has always been short of staff,” Patrick told reporters at Fire Service Week’s Health and Open Day held at the Barbados Fire Service Headquarters at the Cadogan, Mayers, Marshall (CMM) Emergency Services Complex in the Pine.
The service had previously relied on auxiliaries, who are temporary officers, to help address staffing shortages, he said.
The latest recruits graduated at the service’s 42nd passing out parade last week.
“Just last week, we had a passing out parade, and these were actual fire officers that passed out. They were not auxiliaries. They came into the ranks as fire officers and they have added to the complement, but they have not given us as yet the establishment that we have for the service,” he said.
“We’re still short, probably about 25 to 30 persons, and that drive to have those positions filled is still ongoing.”
Patrick encouraged people who meet the requirements and have an interest in public service to consider joining the department.
“We are looking for committed individuals and individuals who are ready to serve the public to become a part of this wonderful organisation.”
The health fair was aimed at giving members of the public access to free health checks and assessments while providing information to help them make informed decisions about their wellbeing, said the fire chief.
“We are hoping that members of the public will come and have their free checks, assessments, and get to become more intimate with information that is pertinent to their personal health.”
Patrick said the event was particularly timely given the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
“We’re living in times when the whole idea of noncommunicable diseases is in the air.”
Among other Fire Service Week activities is the inaugural Wayne Vaughan Memorial Fun Day to be held on Saturday at the Lears cricket ground, St Michael, honouring late Divisional Officer Wayne Vaughan, who died on June 14.
(SB)
