Training within GFS getting significant boost this year
TRAINING in the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be boosted significantly, following the completion, later this year, of the specialised facility for the purpose, in the compound of the Leonora Fire Station, on the West Coast of Demerara.
Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that phase one of the capital project is 90 per cent complete and entailed fencing, construction of culverts, bridges and the levelling of the approximately four acres of land occupied.
He said it will be the first GFS dedicated area where personnel will be trained and it would have most of the requirements, with all basic amenities, including accommodation, classrooms, facilities for both practical and theoretical training in all disciplines of firefighting and firemanship.
The Fire Chief said phase one of the capital project being executed through the Ministry of Home Affairs is costing $25M and phase two would commence this year, too.
Gentle said that the second phase would see the construction of the building for the training school, an open tarmac and a simulated area for all demonstrations, as regards both firefighting and administrative support.
He said, at the end of phase two, GFS will start to train but, presently, the process is taking place at different locations, including the Alberttown Fire Station, the National Park and the City Constabulary building on Water Street, all in Georgetown.