Christmas comes early for firemen

Christmas came early for the TT Fire Service as 17 brand-new firefighting vehicles were commissioned at the service’s headquarters on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain yesterday.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon said while he was optimistic the vehicles would improve the quality of service and efficiency, he called on fire officers to put their best foot forward and display courtesy, professionalism and discipline in their work.

He said the vehicles were testament to the ministry’s continued commitment to all arms of the protective services and that it was in the process of finding a chief medical officer for the fire service, who would oversee the training of officers in first aid, to enhance the service’s capabilities in times of emergency.

“The acquisition of these vehicles today is a very clear indication of Government’s commitment to provide all that is necessary to improve the firefighters’ responsiveness, preparedness and capabilities. These vehicles are modern equipment that is based on first-world status, but we must also imitate the behaviour of the first world in terms of response, professionalism, courtesy and discipline.”

Dillon also praised fire officers for their bravery and commitment in preserving order and public safety in times of crisis. Speaking with reporters after inspecting the vehicles, he said the ministries of health and national security were discussing the selection of a chief medical director for the service.

Dillon added the procurement process for all equipment requested by different arms of the protective services was lengthy and done on a priority basis. “It’s based on the heads of the various services making a request of what is needed to do their job.

“Based on what the police, etc, ask for, they make their priority listing,, and based on what is prioritised, and fund allocations, the procurement process – it takes about 18 months between making the order to actually receiving it, because it has to be shipped from abroad.” The 17 vehicles, which cost $37 million, include five water tankers, three water tenders, an emergency tender, a hydraulic platform and seven ambulances.