Fire Brigade Gets $3 Million to Assist With Training

The Jamaica Fire Brigade, on August 12, received $3 million from Petrojam Limited, to assist in building the capacity of its fire fighters.

The presentation was made at the York Park Fire Station, Orange Street, downtown Kingston.

Manager of Safety, Environment, Quality Assurance and Security at  Petrojam Limited, Mr. Leon Jarrett, said the fire brigade had expressed the need for fire fighters to undergo training in auto extrication, confined space and rescue, and urban search and rescue.

“This donation will cover the cost associated with these courses, which is estimated to cost $2 million. The donation will also fund public education initiatives to be executed during national fire awareness week,” Mr. Jarrett said.

He pointed out that throughout the years, Petrojam Limited has had a mutually beneficial partnership with the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

The Manager informed that Petrojam has, on several occasions, facilitated in-house training of fire personnel in petroleum related fires.

“I would like to commend the Jamaica Fire Brigade for their dedication and commitment to fulfilling their mandate of saving lives and protecting properties from damage caused by fires, natural disasters and other situations,” Mr. Jarrett said.

For his part, Deputy Commissioner, Operations, at the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Warren Malcolm, said the department is grateful for the donation of much needed funds, to assist with the critical area of training.

Acting Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Errol Mowatt, described Petrojam Limited as a strategic partner of the Fire Brigade.

He also encouraged corporate Jamaica to come on board with the fire brigade, “to make sure that (we) can respond and respond effectively when you have an emergency. It is a win, win situation.”