27 New Firefighters Join the National Fire Service  

It’s been almost seven years since the National Fire Service welcomed new members to its team of firefighters across the country. However, today twenty-seven recruits joined the force. After weeks of intensive training, the graduating class received their certificates and were officially sworn in. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony today.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Belize is on the tail end of a national fire crisis and the need for additional firefighters has never been more evident. Over the past few months, millions of dollars in agricultural lands and forest reserves were lost to the flames that tore through parts of the country. Even with the help of public and private organizations, manpower is always sought after. Today, that wish was fulfilled by the National Fire service as it welcomed twenty-seven new members. Belize City Station Supervisor Kenneth Mortis told us what a relief it is to see so many new faces on his team.

 

Kenneth Mortis, Belize City Station Supervisor, National Fire Service

“We’ve been bombarded by these bushfires constant over the entire country. Um, with the introduction to the rain, it’s a relief knowing that the bushfire cause will decrease a lot.  Like you rightfully mentioned, it’s a relief knowing that  across the country,  at least Two firefighters from this twenty-seven will be dispatched to each fire station across the country. So that’s a relief. That’s two more added manpower. So anything you get on top of what you have is always a plus. So for example, if I’m sitting in Belize city and I had twelve or fifteen firefighters, and I now have a fire brand new floor, that’s a plus. You know, so we will strategically look at where we place them and um, they will be placed eventually. And we’ll see how it goes from there. But it’s a relief.”

 

Twenty-seven graduates were commended at the ceremony; however, the number was initially much greater, with forty students enrolled. Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez told us what a momentous occasion it was to celebrate the achievements of the graduates.

 

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“I want to say it’s a very beautiful event, especially you can see the young recruits looking so much motivated, inspired what they went through, that rigorous treating of eleven weeks. And of course, out of those forty applicants, twenty-seven made it through, including one woman. It’s all special here. It’s beautiful to see their families supporting them, which is important here. And of course, from our part is the fire department and our ministry fully engaged with them as well. That we are supporting them.”

 

 

Perez informed us that the graduates will be stationed throughout the country, wherever they are needed.

 

Andre Perez

“As far as manpower is concerned, we always could use more. Always. And this is a start right here, since a couple of years now, we don’t have any training, so I’m of course looking for the future. More manpower is needed.”

 

Reporter

“So these officers will be stationed and transfer throughout the country?”

 

Andre Perez

“They will be deployed or not deployed they will be stationed in different parts of the country, including San Pedro as well.”

 

 

 

Graduating at the top of his class was Christian Gonzalez, who has known that he wanted to be a firefighter ever since he was a child.

 

Christian Gonzalez, Valedictorian

“I remember the first time I saw a fire truck that was it. That was it. And then from there, from primary school, I started going to the fire station, to get along, what’s going, what’s happening at the fire station and then from there I spoke with the OIC, and he was like, no, you’re too young. But if you want to keep coming, you’re welcome. And up to now, I’m here.”

 

 

Much like his peers, Gonzalez began his work with the fire service as a volunteer. This training helped him make the transition into the course easier.

 

Christian Gonzalez

“To be honest, the transition to me at first I was gonna, I was thinking that it’s gonna be because of the responsibility at first, but then I’m like, I know the job already. Just knowing that you are already established firefighter and then from there day to day doing my responsibilities.”

 

 

Fire Chief Colin Gillet expressed only confidence and pride in the graduating class and is excited to see the work they will put in to protecting Belize.

 

Colin Gillet, Fire Chief, National Fire Service

“I am definitely confident. When people are running away from the fire, these are the guys who will be running towards it. And it’s not just fires anymore. It’s also rescue. If there’s a collapsed building, if there’s a people who need to be rescued in swift water, for example, our guys are being trained for that as well in specializing. So we’re very excited about expanding all the services that we offer.”

 

 

Gonzalez shared that it was through a commitment to the field and the encouragement of their mentors that he and his classmates could stand with pride and call themselves firefighters.

 

 

 

 

Britney Gordon

“What do you think contributed to you getting such high marks and finishing at the top of your class?

 

Christian Gonzalez

“Dedication. Once you set your mind that, I’m gonna do it and you push on yourself to the limit the chief said push yourself, and then you will accomplish. Anything that you want, and then for the training itself, they, from the beginning, they were clear that we’re gonna have some physical and theory. We, I told them I’ll, I’m gonna be getting the regular points, and if you have bonus, bring it on.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.