And, in our next story, you'll meet the newest additions to the Belize National Fire Service.
They passed out today and will be making their way to different parts of the country to take up their posts. Jomarie Lanza attended their graduation ceremony today and learned that it was difficult training.
This graduating class of 27 males and 1 female were not adorned in tassels and gowns, but instead they were bestowed the official honor of finally making it in as the newest members of the National Fire Service. It's the official firefighter graduating class of 2024, the first intake in over 7 years. Station Supervisor Kenneth Mortis says he has been anticipating this moment since March when training became more intense.
Kenneth Mortis, Station Supervisor, NFS
"There were a few hiccups, but after all said and done, this is where we are at. It feels like a weight has just been lifted off my shoulders because you know your anticipating is it today? Is it today? Well finally today is here and I could not have been more prouder of these guys believe we actually did what we started out in doing. We had some setback we started off with 40 as you are all aware of and we finished with 27. That is a plus for us."
It was in a very real sense - a baptism by fire - starting with an intake of 40 recruits:
Kenneth Mortis, Station Supervisor, NFS
"The training like you said was a grueling task. Monday to Saturday we had some Sunday events a.m. and p.m. we had some events because we had to get these guys in the mindset of a fire is all about. Isn't telling you I am coming tomorrow morning. How many times have these statistics that fires happen after sunset? You are asleep and there is a fire. What are you going to do? how are you going to feel? How are you going to deal with it? So our job as instructors we had to prepare these guys both mentally and physically for the journey ahead. They could have chosen any profession, but they chose to be a firefighter for whatever reason or reasons that is on them. And the minute you step foot into the fire department that is a whole New World that's a different level and it's just something that gives that thrill. After many years in this profession, whenever I hear that bell I still get that thrill. I still get that excitement that these guys saw today, they move forward on the right foot, they face the challenges that they definitely will face head on and I think we have done all we can do to prepare them for today."
And now that the studying ends, the real work begins, especially with the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management's demand for more man power
Andre Perez, Minister Disaster Risk Management
"As far as man power is concerned, we always could use more always, and this is a start right here since it's been a couple of years that we did not have any training, so of course, looking forward to the future morey manpower is needed."
And how exactly does one begin the road to becoming a firefighter? Fire Chief Collin Gillet says this group started off as merely volunteers and worked their way up to the dream.
Collin Gillett, Fire Chief - NFS
"All of the recruits were volunteers first so we have a minimum requirement of at least three years volunteering and those were the ones who were chosen. A lot of people wanted to come in but that's why you volunteer so you can become the first selected. We actually have a criteria. There is a whole syllabus of things that they have to learn, which is why we have a training officer, and those guys, which is a mix of daily work in the classroom learning about behavior and understanding how it works and things like that. In the afternoon, then they do the practical."
For Valedictorian Christian Gonzalez, the journey for him began when he was a young boy. And now he hopes to get established and begin working at the Belmopan Fire station.
Christian James Gonzlaez, Firefighter, Graduate
"From since I was a young kid I remember the first time I saw a fire truck that was it. Then from there from primary school i started going to the fire station to get along to know what happening at the fire station and then from there we spoke with the OC and he said no you are too young but if you want to keep coming you are welcomed, and up to now I'm here."
Government has approved funding for 80 new firefighters.
