Fire Service adds a dozen recruits
Cayman’s newest fire fighters are (seated, L-R) Tafari Young, Marvin Menendez, Christopher Jackson, Tyler Scott, Jessica Richards and Andrew Welds; (standing, L-R) Alejandro Connolly, David Terry, Robert Watler Jr, Josh Terry, Jon-Mikol Rankin and Brandon Myrie
(CNS): After undergoing rigorous training for six months, 12 new fire fighters were welcomed into the Cayman Islands Fire Service at a recent graduation. The one woman and 11 men were encouraged to give their individual best to a challenging career so that they could function as valued members of a service that essentially works as one team.
Eric Bush, Chief Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, presented graduation certificates to Jessica Richards, Marvin Beccerra-Menendez, Alejandro Conolly, Christopher Jackson, Brandon Myrie, Jon-Mikol Rankin, Tyler Scott, David Terry, Josh Terry, Robert Watler, Andrew Welds and Tafari Young.
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson handed out special awards. Valedictorian Josh Terry walked away with the top prize for academics with a 98% performance. Watler and Jackson received most improved academic awards with both earning a 95% average. Welds was recognised for work ethic as well as academics.
“Mr. Welds was always the first to arrive for class and always the first start work. He also had an average of 92%,” said chief trainer Duane Tibbetts, who noted the high calibre of performance of all the recruits.
Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer-Domestic Tina Choy, who spoke on behalf of Acting Chief Fire Officer Ronnie Dixon, reminded the graduates that their journey is unique which most never get the opportunity to take or have the ability to pursue.
Choy told the graduates that they were expected to have “respect for others, compassion, honesty, courage, attention to duty and adherence to law, policy and procedure”.
Referring to the obstacles in their chosen path, she said, “Take it all in and look for the challenge that fires you up. Whatever (the) challenge, look for the opportunities to get there and prepare yourself.”
Terry urged his fellow graduates to continue giving their best to the service, keep up their learning and contribute positively to the high level of performance in the Fire Service.
Lead trainers Marlon Goddard, Carson McField, Elbert McField, Vince McElroy, Randy Hudson and Glenroy Logan received tokens of appreciation from the recruits for providing the training.
In addition, Tibbetts, Joseph Thompson and John Christian were offered special thanks as leaders of the training team.
Category: Civil Service, Fire Service
