We go above and beyond, despite limited resources – Fire Deputy

The second in command of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Fire Brigade says that the men under his command are the best on earth.{{more}}

Inspector Joel James told SEARCHLIGHT that despite the limited resources in the department, his men go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done.

Acknowledging that the department usually comes under “fire” for their handling, or in some cases the perceived inability to handle fires, James said that the men try their best under the circumstances.

“Some people do not know what we are really doing, so then they criticize,” James pointed out, in a recent interview.

They will criticize you if you go to a scene and you use the water that you have in the truck, and the fire is not put out, and you have to leave the scene to replenish your appliance and then to return. Some persons would say that the truck came without water.

“You always find the negatives,” James added.

The inspector said that the task of the department has been made simpler with the donation of equipment, and more is expected.

“We got some bunker gears, and base sets SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus).

“The entire department is not suited, but we have the persons in the Grenadines they would have gotten some before at the airports, and we have to facilitate our staff at Arnos Vale at the airport and here in Kingstown.

“And with our (international) airport on stream, so that is a big yes.”

James used the opportunity to reiterate that persons should desist from intentionally starting bush, or other fires.

“When you light a fire, you are costing the taxpayers of St Vincent and the Grenadines money, because when the fire appliance and men have to respond to these scenes which could have been avoided, you have to use the equipment and fuel, and could prevent us from being in an area where there is an actual issue.”(JJ)