Bajan Fire Fighters Blog

The Barbados Fire Brigade, which consisted of one station, was established through an Act of Parliament in April, 1955. Its name was subsequently changed in 1960 to the Barbados Fire Service. It had a complement of 26 fire officers (all ranks included). Colonel R J. Mitchelin O.B.E (Commissioner of Police) initially had responsibility for the administration of the Fire Brigade as Superintendent. But this came to an end on April 15, 1955. On April 15, Major Albert George Bradford was appointed Superintendent, thus placing the Fire Service under his exclusive authority as Chief Fire Officer. The change in Administration coincided with the occupancy of the new Headquarters Station on Probyn Street. It also saw the handing over of correspondence, files, office equipment, stores equipment and general financial and administrative matters from the Royal Barbados Police Force. Since 1955, the Barbados Fire Service has maintained unbroken service to the people of Barbados. We take this opportun...

The annual Remembrance Day Parade and service was held this morning at the Cenotaph in National Heroes Square, Bridgetown. Barbados joined several other Commonwealth countries around the world in observing this significant occasion. During the ceremony the Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands and Prime Minister David Thompson laid wreaths in remembrance of the servicemen who lost their lives during World Wars One and Two. Members of the diplomatic corps and uniformed organisations also participated in the wreath laying ceremony, during the parade of armed and unarmed units. Remembrance Day, a day for remembering men in the armed forces who died in the two World Wars, is observed in November. The observance follows a pattern set by Britain. The date of observance is the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the last day of World War I, which was November 11, 1918. On that date, the agreement to stop fighting (Armistice) was signed by the warring nations.

Fire Officers at the Airport Fire Station will soon be moving into their new ultra modern fire station at Seawell. The relocation of personnel and equipment is scheduled to take place this month. The state of the art station will provide increase floor space of 5 317 square feet. Among the new features will be “direct access to the runway from the appliance bay; training facilities; the provision of separate decontamination and breathing apparatus rooms; and accommodation of all appliances under cover in an enclosed space with storm shuttering”. Airport firefighters will also benefit from having improved direct access to the appliance bay from the dormitories, a library and records room, fire clothes area, mechanics service area, and parts room. Fire Officers will be able to enjoy better dining and kitchen facilities; a gym area and washroom facilities. An official announcement is to be made shortly regarding the date and time of the Opening Ceremony.