Comprehensive Development Plan for Land at Twickenham Park

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) intends to have in place, a comprehensive development plan for the land at Twickenham Park, which will include the design for a Training Institution, Divisional Headquarters for St. Catherine and the Vehicle Maintenance Department.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Colin Fagan, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2012/13 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on July 11.

He also informed that the Jamaica Fire Brigade intends to add another 120 fire- fighters to the staff, adding that there will also be increased use of the electronic and print media to present fire safety messages and raise public awareness. 

"There will be ongoing in-service training and procurement of protective gear as well as other equipment for fire fighters.

There will be continuation of training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, based on the Florida/Jamaica initiative and we will initiate training with the Miami Dade Fire Rescue Department and to continue local station-based training, targeting some 300 persons,” Mr. Fagan said.

The State Minister also noted that the Brigade intends to acquire new vehicles, the details of which are being worked out.

He added that the JFB will also seek to continue to strengthen its community outreach efforts with the addition of two homework centres at the Waterford and Falmouth fire stations.

"We are currently embarking on a new phase of the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s community outreach arm.  That is, the development of a special cadet corps that will not only serve as a possible feeder stream for recruitment for the JFB, but also seek to mould the minds of our young men and women towards developing a strong sense of self, fire awareness and prevention and voluntarism,” Mr. Fagan said.