Completion of specialised centre will boost firefighters training
TRAINING in the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be significantly boosted, following the completion, this year, of the specialised centre for the purpose of training in the compound of Leonora Fire Station, on the West Coast of Demerara. Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle said phase one of the project, which started in July 2011, is completed, with the land preparation, fencing, drainage and bridge costing $24M.
He said phase two entails the construction of a two-storey z-shape concrete multi-purpose building, which, when finished, will be a multiplex specially to train firefighters both local and overseas, including members of the Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters (CAFF).
Gentle said the Leonora facility will be the first dedicated area for the GFS where training will be done and would accommodate most of the related needs, with all basic amenities, accommodation, classrooms, facilities for both practical and theory in all disciplines of firefighting and firemanship included.
The Fire Chief said phase two will also see an open tarmac and a simulated area for all demonstrations, as regards training in both firefighting and administrative support.
Gentle said that at the end of the phase two building, training will commence but presently it is taking place at different locations, including at Alberttown Fire Station, the National Park and the City Constabulary on Water Street, all in the city.