Pleased with move to better equip firefighters

Fri, Nov 23, 2012

Editor: I have in the past commented on — some may say criticised — the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force not equipping the nation’s firefighters with the appropriate fire-fighting equipment to do their work safely and efficiently.{{more}}

In fact, on one occasion, I said it was a national embarrassment when photos posted on social media showed fire-fighters using seemingly perforated hoses that sprayed water almost everywhere else except on the fire. I had also noted that civilians exposed themselves to personal injury when they assisted fire-fighting efforts without appropriate gear.

It is in light of these past comments that I commend the Police Force for purchasing 10 fire-fighter insulated bunker suits for the Fire Department.

I am certainly pleased with the incremental improvement. But, I hope that by the time Commissioner of Police Keith Miller retires next year, the Fire Department will have had the complementary self-contained breathing apparatus. After all, the Rapid Response and Special Services units cannot fully perform their duties without guns and bullets — neither the Coastguard without boats.

Kenton X. Chance