(CMR) Twelve young Caymanian firefighters have joined the ranks of the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) with oaths to save lives and protect property throughout the Cayman Islands. The new Firefighters, which comprise one female and 11 males, were recognized in a graduation ceremony held at the Lions Centre on Friday, 11 November.
These new Firefighters are the first to be indoctrinated in the new CIFS recruitment process. This new recruitment process is part of a wider transformation of the CIFS through professional development and industry training in keeping with international industry fire and rescue standards. It forms part of the Ministry of Home Affairs' mission to build Cayman Islands' resilience through public safety partnerships, innovation, and world-class service delivery.
“We will continually guide and assess their capabilities throughout their journey to become a CIFS firefighter at international industry fire and rescue standards for any emergencies, including building fires, road traffic collisions, search and rescue, water and land, fire prevention, and aviation firefighting,” Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Dwight Randy Rankin stated.
“We intend to continue this trend by supporting personal development across the entire service. Rigorous professional training and development are at the core of our mission to build Cayman’s resilience through public safety partnerships, innovation, and world-class service delivery to make the lives of the people we serve better,” he explained.
Over the last four months, the candidates have successfully completed multiple stages of recruitment, beginning with an online entrance examination assessment to determine their level of problem-solving and understanding skills. The candidates then underwent the physical assessment stage to assess their physical fitness (upper and lower), body strength, endurance, resistance, height, and claustrophobia while utilizing standard industry fire and rescue equipment. The training comprised 18 weeks of aviation and domestic firefighting and rescue training.
The 12 new firefighters will improve CIFS operational capabilities, service and maintenance competencies, and above all, our improved firefighting and rescue capabilities to support the community.
In recognition of the new Firefighters, during her remarks at the ceremony Hon. Min. Sabrina Turner said, “The Cayman Islands Fire Service is one of the oldest branches of our uniformed services. Our emergency services could not be what it is today without the efforts of Firefighters who have taken an oath to always protect the people of the Cayman Islands.”
“I am proud to see not only strong young men joining the ranks but also brave young women. You are collectively and individually a representation of the true potential that lies within the young people of the Cayman Islands,” the Minister added.
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