LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER MOURNS TRAGIC MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT THAT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A YOUNG FIREFIGHTER, APPEALS FOR GOOD SENSE TO RETURN TO THE ROADS
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie is mourning the tragic death of firefighter Larenzo Douse, who was killed in a motor vehicle accident in Ocho Rios St. Ann, at approximately 2:40 this afternoon. Mr. Douse was killed after a motorist overtook a line of traffic along the Ocho Rios Main Road in the vicinity of Reynolds Pier, and crashed into the back of a fire truck parked at the side of the road.
“The crew had just finished a fire-fighting operation in the area. In fact the firemen had just finished their shift, and were replacing the equipment in the back of the truck. At that moment, Fire-fighter Douse was alone at the back, putting a pump into the fire truck when the car slammed into the fire truck, crushing him. He was taken to Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“Larenzo Douse was a very young firefighter with his whole life ahead of him. He joined the Jamaica Fire Brigade at the tender age of 19 and served for 6 years, and just celebrated his 25th birthday on November 13. The grief at his terrible demise is being felt beyond the Ocho Rios Fire Station, where he was stationed, and goes all the way into the St. Catherine Division, where young Larenzo’s father is a serving Assistant Superintendent.
“This is yet another instance of the tragedy, grief, pain and bitterness that is caused by personal irresponsibility, in this case by a motorist who overtook a line of traffic, rather than trying to reach a chosen destination by obeying the rules of the road. I appeal to all users of our roads to make your personal contribution to national road safety, by simply obeying the rules of the road.
“I have no words to demonstate how I feel about this incident. I know that the Commissioner of the Fire Brigade and a host of personnel are personally extending themselves to offer support. I can only say that I deeply grieve this destruction of a young life, and I hope that in the coming days, when the question “why” will be asked again and again, that the immediate family and friends of Firefighter Larenzo Douse will eventually experience some level of healing. May he rest in peace and light eternal shine on him.”
