Bajan Fire Fighters Blog

The Barbados Fire Service is continuing to heighten the level of fire safety awareness during this busy holiday season. On Friday afternoon members of the Fire Prevention and Community Relations Unit were in the City spreading the gospel of fire safety to shoppers. Personnel from the Fire Service were accompanied by a crew from the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as they made their way along High Street and Swan Street. The risk of fire significantly increases during the holiday season, residents may find themselves particularly vulnerable to fires for a variety of reasons. Candles are often used as a holiday tradition and can be placed too close to combustible materials that could start a fire. The inappropriate use of decorative lights can also cause circuits to overload. However, holiday cooking left unattended is the biggest fire danger in the home. Fire Officers Stephen Miller and Shirley Griffith reminded the public that six persons lost their lives this year as a resul...

Hello Everyone, this message serves to officially inform you of the launch of the Bajan Fire Fighter's online community on Facebook. This comes as a result of the numerous emails received from members of the public interested in meeting or networking with firefighters. Some of the persons are also interested in joining the Fire Service and therefore seeking information about the profession. Facebook is one of the largest social networks around and we believe this is a good medium by which we can serve such persons. I now invite all of you to visit and also join this worth while venture and to share as much of yourselves as possible. Thanks:- Visit Our Facebook Group

Name: Christopher Corbin Nickname: N/A Sex: Male Birthday: December 28 Height: 5'11 Residence: St. George Love Status: In a Relationship Occupation: Fire Officer Hobbies: Movies, Exercising, Dominoes, Card Games, Pool, Socialising with children. Words That Best Describe Me: Honest, Helpful, Simple Interests: Technology, Traveling, Culture, Internet, Gaming, Books, Sexuality, Music, Films, Television, Sports, Fitness, Computers, Fitness, Theatre & Arts, Religion, Radio, Home & Garden, Education. Types Of Music That I Like: Pop, Classic, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Reggae, Calypso, Gospel, Country & Western. Types Of Movies That I Like: Animated, Comedy, Horror, True Story, Cartoons, Drama, Martial Arts, Action, Mystery, Science Fiction, Documentary War, Western, Adventure. People Don't Know That: I'm a dedicated father. My Favourite Quote: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" My Favourite Website: http://devoted.to/bajanfirefighters

Today many Barbadians will gather in National Heroes Square to observe Remembrance Day. In Barbados, Remembrance Day is observed with the holding of an inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph in National Heroes Square (formerly Trafalgar Square). A number of uniformed groups including the Barbados Defence Force, Royal Barbados Police Force, Barbados Fire Service and the Barbados Cadet Corps will be on parade. At the conclusion of the Two Minutes Silence and the Sounding of the Last Post, the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and other specially invited guests including members of the Diplomatic Corps will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph in remembrance of those who died during the two World Wars. Foot Note:- Remembrance Day, a day for remembering men in the armed forces who died in the two World Wars, is observed in November each year in the English-speaking countries of the Caribbean. The observance follows a pattern set by Britain. The date of observance is the Sunday closest to t...

Fire gutted a Wildey, St Michael, roadside food stall and a runaway car during a freak accident Friday afternoon. It was a close call for at least two people standing by the stall but no one was injured in the incident. Witnesses said the empty, parked vehicle rolled down the hill, struck the stall, located by the perimeter fence of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, and both were quickly engulfed in flames. Sidney Ross, who was tending the stall for Foul Bay, St Philip, owner Juann Greenidge, said, "I see this car come pelting down the hill and I had to run for my life. "I was hoping that it would swerve round the corner but it ran right into the stall." He reported that an undisclosed sum of money, a calculator, fruits, two coolers and several soft drinks were destroyed in the blaze. Witnesses said the vehicle was already on fire when it rolled downhill and the fire intensified after a number of explosions. The accident and the cloud of thick, black smoke a...

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama and the all the firefighters around the world who supported him during the 2008 Presidential Election. This is truly history in the making, Barack Obama has been given an unprecedented mandate by the American people to go forth and usher in a new era of "CHANGE". On behalf of the Bajan Fire Fighters online community we salute Barack Obama on his monumental accomplishment. Warmest Regards, GLYNE C. ALLEYNE

The Caribbean Association of Chief, Deputy and Assistant Chief Fire Officers (CACDACFO) will host its 2008 Conference from December 2 - 7 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. CACDACFO provides Caribbean Fire Service Administrators with the tools necessary to enhance knowledge, sharpen leadership skills and further professional careers. The organisation provides information and practical ideas to better serve regional departments. The Association held its inauguration ceremony on September 17, 2001 in Trinidad and Tobago under the auspices of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. The body provides professional advice, leadership research and other services to CACDACFO member organisations and other entities upon request. The formation of the Association has its background in more than six years of planning and seeks to promote and maintain, among other things, a coordinated approach to training and training programmes. CACDACFO also provides forums for the exchange of information among...

Name: Andrea Williams Nickname: Sharon / Bugs Sex: Female Birthday: November 7 Height: 5'9 Residence: Christ Church Love Status: Married Occupation: Fire Officer Hobbies: Swimming, Walking, Sight Seeing Words That Best Describe Me: Friendly, Very Quiet Interests: Traveling, Shopping, Books, Fitness, Computers, Television, Religion, Home & Garden. Types Of Music That I Like: Gospel, Country & Western, Oldie Goldies. Types Of Movies That I Like: Animated, Comedy, Horror, Cartoons, Thriller, Science Fiction, Action, Mystery, Adventure. People Don't Know That: I'm afraid of snakes. My Favourite Quote: "Live life to the fullest" My Favourite Website: http://devoted.to/bajanfirefighters

Barbados will honour its war dead on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November 9, 2008 with the customary parade and interdenominational service at the Cenotaph in National Heroes' Square, Bridgetown commencing at 8:00 a.m. Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands and Prime Minister David Thompson will lay wreaths in remembrance of the servicemen who lost their lives during World Wars One and Two. The diplomatic corps and uniformed organisations will also participate in the wreath laying ceremony, during the parade of armed and unarmed units. The Band Of The Royal Barbados Police Force will play for the armed units on parade and for the march from Central Police Station to National Heroes' Square. The Barbados Defence Force Band will provide music for the unarmed units to march from Queen's Park to the square and back.

Some discussion is currently being generated by the media regarding the draft Freedom Of Information (FIO) Bill. Apparently, the public response to the town hall meetings so far has been lack luster. The reasons for the poor turnout at these meetings have not been stated by the press. However, I humbly submit that members of the Fire Service including the Administration need to ascertain what implications this draft legislation will have for public disclosure of information collected by the Barbados Fire Service. What type of information will we now be required to make available to the public apart from what we already normally provide. It would be useful to know if the new Governance Advisory Board has held any discussions with the Fire Service Administration on the implications of this draft bill.

Fire Officers and members of the public are reminded that the Barbados Fire Service will compete against members of the Royal Barbados Police Force in a basketball game on Saturday, November 1, 2008. The game is scheduled to commence at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Police Boys and Girls Sports Club, Bay Street, St. Michael. All off duty personnel are asked to make a special effort to attend, our team needs your support.

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Name: Shea M. Slocombe Nickname: Weasel Sex: Male Birthday: October 24 Height: 5'11 Residence: St. Peter Love Status: In a Relationship Occupation: Fire Officer Hobbies: Motor Sports, Football, Pool. Words That Best Describe Me: Fair, Friendly, Shy. Interests: Technology, Traveling, Sexuality, Books, Computers, Gaming, Music, Films, Internet Sports, Chat Forums. Types Of Music That I Like: Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Calypso, Reggae, R&B. Types Of Movies That I Like: Animated, Comedy, Science Fiction, Mystery, Action, Thriller, Martial Arts, Documentary. People Don't Know That: I navigated in an off road rally. My Favourite Quote: "To know me is to love me" My Favourite Website: www.youtube.com

The Barbados Fire Service (BFS) will be celebrating 53 years with its annual Week of Activities commencing with a Thanksgiving Service at the St. Lucy Parish Church on Sunday, September 28, 2008. During the week, the Fire Service has planned a number of events and is throwing open its doors to public visits at its Probyn Street headquarters, the Worthing, St. James and St. John fire stations. An invitation is also extended to Barbadians to participate in the health extravaganza at headquarters fire station, Probyn Street on Monday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. Members of the public will be able to get their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar tested during this event. The week climaxes with a family fire fair on Saturday, October 4 from 12:00 noon at headquarters. This event will feature special fire-fighting video presentations, tours of the fire station, jumping tent, lucky dip, face painting and the new rescue tender showing off multi-faceted extrication equipment.

The Bajan Fire Fighters online community has launched two television channels. Both channels are internet based and will feature content relative to the Fire Service and firefighting profession. The first channel is called Carib Fire Net (Caribbean Firefighter's Network) and will carry video clips obtained from firefighters across the Caribbean. The second is called Bajan Fire Fighters and will feature content exclusively from members of the Barbados Fire Service. The channels were launched on Wednesday and will provide firefighters with a more efficient and effective way to communicate and disseminate information to the general public. Project Coordinator Fire Officer Glyne Alleyne said: "The launch of this new webcast service is a wonderful milestone for internet broadcasting and the Fire Service. "The most important priority for us at present is creating quality television content, we are working assiduously on this. I'm extremely delighted that we are establ...

Fire Officers and members of the public are asked to note that Inter-Watch Cricket commences tonight at the Passage Road Grounds, St. Michael at 7:00 p.m. Please make a special effort to attend as the various Watches need your support. The Inter-Watch Cricket Finals are scheduled to be held on September 30, 2008 during Fire Service Week.

Name: Tracia K. Batson-Dottin Nickname: Nursey Sex: Female Birthday: September 1 Height: 5'8 Residence: St. Michael Love Status: Married Occupation: Fire Officer Hobbies: Reading Hiking, Traveling, Swimming. Words That Best Describe Me: Resourceful, Assertive, Strong, Ambitious. Interests: Culture, Traveling, Books, Fitness, Gaming, Television, Theatre & Arts, Religion, Education, Home & Garden, Organisations. Types Of Music That I Like: Classical, Hip Hop, R&B, Calypso, Reggae, Gospel. Types Of Movies That I Like: Horror, True Story, Drama, Fantasy, War, Comedy, Romantic, Science Fiction, Action, Thriller, Adventure, Martial Arts, Documentary. People Don't Know That: I love gardening and I 'm very religious. My Favourite Quote: "Knowledge is power" My Favourite Website: http://devoted.to/bajanfirefighters

Calling all landlubbers, please note that the officers and members of the Barbados Fire Service Sports and Social Club will take to the sea on Friday, October 24, 2008 on board the M.V. Harbour Master from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. You are invited to join the hott crew as we create "Fire On The Boat" walk with plenty of bottled water because we plan to leave you dehydrated. Soca music and other infectious beats will take over the vessel. The Chief Fire Officer will have to issue "Operation Stop Watch" just to keep the fire on board under control. All off duty personnel and fire enthusiast must report for operational duty at the Shallow Draught Complex, boarding commences at 9:30 p.m. sharp. Admission is $45.00, tickets available at Fire Service Headquarters, Probyn Street, Bridgetown.

Name: Laura M. Inniss Nickname: N/A Sex: Female Birthday: August 26 Height: 5'8 Residence: St. Philip Love Status: Married Occupation: Fire Officer Hobbies: Cycling, Volleyball, Listening to Music Words That Best Describe Me: Reserved, Practical, Modest, Industrious, Analytical Interests: Technology, Books, Fitness, Music, Business, Computers, Religion Types Of Music That I Like: Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Gospel, Calypso, Rock Jazz, Country & Western Types Of Movies That I Like: Comedy, Cartoons, True Story, Mystery, Adventure, Martial Arts People Don't Know That: I like the number 8 and hate the colour blue. My Favourite Quote: "Fret not thyself because of evildoers" My Favourite Website: http://devoted.to/bajanfirefighters

The Barbados Fire Service Sports and Social Club held its second Karaoke Night at Fire Service Headquarters last night. Despite the late start, patrons appeared to enjoy themselves with a hearty serving of barbecue pig tails and chicken steadily flowing. All that was required was to set the karaoke machine on fire with music. The fire officers in attendance certainly rose to the occasion with Rudolph Farnum, Simon Bourne and others taking the lead by rendering some of the popular karaoke ballads. Ryan "Sickey" Lovell also offered his interpretation of several songs much to the delight of patrons watching his unusual performance. Naturally, the crowd responded more to the calypsos which was quite fitting and in-keeping with the spirit of our beloved Crop Over Festival. The next Karaoke Night is scheduled for August 29, at the Arch Hall Fire Station.

A full-scale, simulated search and rescue exercise by the Barbados Fire Service in collaboration with Caves of Barbados Incorporated was conducted yesterday at Harrison's Cave, Welchman Hall, St. Thomas. The exercise was a simulated cave collapse and was designed to test the Fire Service's response in the event of an emergency at the cave. The simulation provided the opportunity for fire officers and personnel from Harrison's Cave to practice and refine their procedures while working under a unified command structure. The Fire Service was also able to test its radio communication system at the sub-terrain level within the cave and its call-out procedures for off duty members of the Search and Rescue Unit. Source: Barbados Fire Service Blog .

A number of children from two summer camps had the opportunity to learn about the Barbados Fire Service and firefighting operations when they toured Fire Service Headquarters yesterday. Forty-four children accompanied by 10 adults form Camp Princess and 49 children and five adults from Camp ED were able to see first hand how fire officers conduct their daily routines. The new Rescue Tender was a focal point as the eager students tried to learn as much as possible about its special rescue equipment and deployment to emergencies. Above Photo: Leading Fire Officer Cynthia Boyce speaking to children from Camp ED.

I found this interesting video via the Firefighter Nation - Firefighter Rescue and EMS Social Network. I hope you folks find it interesting as well, especially my friends in the Search And Rescue Unit.

The Junior Fire Cadet Programme of the Barbados Fire Service is scheduled to commence on Monday, July 14, 2008. The programme, which is in its eighth year will be conducted at the Arch Hall Fire Station, St. Thomas, and is aimed at not only teaching the cadets fire safety, but also preparing these young men and women for the greater responsibilities of adulthood. Twenty participants, ages 13 to 15 years will be introduced to elements of fire response, which include the basics of hose and hydrant drill, ladder drill, lines and knots, fire prevention, fire protection, fire behaviour, extinguishers, squad drill and first aid. The fire cadets will also undergo training in water safety taught by the Barbados Coast Guard. Instructors will observe the fire cadets on hikes and nature walks intended to test their physical and mental endurance. At the end of the programme, the fire cadets are expected to be proficient in fire safety and foot drill, as well as demonstrate leadership, etiquette, d...

The members of White Watch (Headquarters Station) spent a few minutes during their afternoon break to celebrate with colleague Winfield Jones. Winfield celebrated his special day today, we extend best wishes to Winfield from the entire online community. Special birthday greetings also go out to all members celebrating during the month of July. PS. We regret the delay in publishing the monthly birthday list.

A major fire destroyed several businesses yesterday. The fire occurred in Grazettes Industrial Estate, St Michael. The Barbados Fire Service received a call around 3:15 a.m. and fire officers were immediately dispatch to the scene. On arrival a number of businesses were found to be engulfed in flames. Twenty-three fire fighters under the command of acting Chief Fire Officer Anthony Blackman using five water tenders, one combine ladder platform (bronto skylift) and one airport crash tender battled the fire. However, attempts to contain the fire were hampered by the lack of adequate water supply in the area. Fire fighters were forced to summon water tankers from the Barbados Water Authority to augment the supply at the fire scene. Yankee Garments, Barbados Industries, A.P Inc., King Refrigerators, Talius, Jansen Enterprises, Matrix Marketing, Glass Fibre Products, and Shoe World were all affected by the early morning blaze. Approximately 300 employees were reported to be displaced, th...

Scores of employees at Tropical Laundry in Country Road are on the breadline after an early morning fire on Friday. Fire officials told CBC News they received a report that the business was on fire around five Friday morning and dispatched a number of officers to the scene. The owners of the laundry said they were told the building was on fire by a guard in the wee hours of the morning. The fire service was also informed and firefighting teams deployed to fight the raging blaze but they could save little. Yolande Walrond, the assistant accountant says the company employs just over a hundred and eighty workers some of whom will be displaced as a result of the blaze. "We have 186 employed, including our five depots across the island. This will be a major blow to all of us. Plus we are the number one laundry in the island. We do all of the Defense Force uniforms, the very prime minister clothes in there right now, we could say burn up. Everybody you can think of from ...