JFB MEMBERS URGED TO EXERCISE SAFEGUARDS WHILE ON DUTY
KINGSTON, October 24 (JIS):
Following the recent tragic loss of several of the nation’s firefighters, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is urging members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) to take heightened personal responsibility for their safety.
He made the remarks during Wednesday’s (October 23) media launch of the JFB’s Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week, at the Ministry’s offices in St. Andrew.
The week is being observed under the theme ‘Embracing Digital Innovation to Improve Fire Safety’.
Mr. McKenzie, who noted the demise of at least three JFB members within recent weeks, expressed condolences to their families and colleagues.
“While death is not something we can question, it is also of importance that we not only talk about the work that you have to do but also your own personal safety [which] is paramount. I want to urge you the men and women of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, who are out there on the front line, to ensure that you take personal responsibility for your own safety,” he said, adding that, “you must ensure that your family is also protected”.
Mr. McKenzie pointed out that the Government is “more than understanding” of the firefighter’s role, adding, “that is why we have, over the last seven years, made the kind of investment in the Jamaica Fire Brigade that we have made”.
Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie has commended the JFB’s members who were recognised by the Government during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 21.
“I had the pleasure of sitting beside the Commissioner at the National Heroes Day ceremony, and I did comment to the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Police how proud I was of the achievements of the men and women of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, who were acknowledged… for their contributions,” the Minister said.
