Twenty-seven firefighters are undergoing specialised heavy-duty operator training to enhance their skills and strengthen the country’s emergency response capabilities.
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said on Tuesday that the training programme is being conducted at the Leonora Training School and includes participants from all ten administrative regions.
The one-week course is designed to equip firefighters with the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate and maintain water tenders and water carriers safely and efficiently.
Speaking at the launch of the training, Assistant Divisional Officer, Thom Fernandes, emphasised the importance of responsibility, discipline and readiness in the execution of their duties.
“Every time we take the wheel, lives may depend on how safely and effectively we perform. Remember that safe driving is a cornerstone of effective emergency response. By mastering these practices, we not only protect ourselves but also safeguard the communities we serve,” he said.
Fernandes said the programme was specifically designed to strengthen operational skills, sharpen awareness and ensure firefighters maintain the highest standards of safety while operating emergency vehicles on the nation’s roadways.
The training forms part of the government’s broader efforts to expand the pool of qualified fire tender operators as the GFS continues to grow its fleet of modern firefighting appliances.