Hanover gets more trained and certified fire wardens

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) of the Hanover Police Division, in collaboration with the Hanover branch of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, has trained and certified another 17 fire wardens, bringing to 48 the number of fire wardens trained in the parish since October 2024.

Superintendent Andrew Nish, the police commander for Hanover, who addressed the passing-out ceremony which took place at Rhodes Hall High School in the parish, expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to speak to the new recruits as a former Police Youth Club (PYC) member. The new wardens are predominantly members of the parish’s PYC. He also lauded the partnership between the Police CSSB and the Lucea Fire Station personnel.

“This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved through shared vision. The participants were trained in basic fire prevention and firefighting techniques, and for that I commend all of you,” said Nish.He noted that the programme, which started in 2024, was recognised as a massive success, leading to the additional 17 PYC members volunteering to be trainees for 2025 under the programme.

“Today, we are here to witness the value of inter-agency partnership and its contribution to nation-building. Indeed, I deem this a step in the right direction,” he said.

According to Nish, the training has prepared them to become gainfully employed in many other professional and technical areas.

Addressing the current downward trend in crime in the parish, he said it is collaborative efforts like the training programme, which features youngsters from across the parish, that has helped to spearhead the transformation.

Oniel Henry, acting superintendent in the JFB Hanover Division, Lucea Fire Station, in his address, described the new fire wardens as “ambassadors of the firefighting society, who will be helping to build a safer parish”.

“Today we celebrate more than just a ceremony, we celebrate the successful culmination of a rigorous, comprehensive and nationally recognised programme,” said Henry.

“Each of you have embarked on a journey that have transformed you from ordinary community members into certified first responders, and has equipped you with the knowledge and skill to protect your neighbours and family.”

Henry noted that the participants have also been trained to direct and control procedures during emergencies, a heavy responsibility which they all now carry.

With just one fire station in the parish, located in the capital, Lucea, the fire wardens are now basically the first responders for several deep rural communities, as their training has equipped them to help reduce the impact of fires in the away communities until the arrival of the firefighters.

The awards ceremony was held under the theme ‘Safe Homes, Safe Communities: The Power of Prevention’. The Cauldwell PYC received strong commendation, as they had 17 members who completed the training for 2025.