A new generation of firefighters celebrated completion of an intensive six-month training course on Friday, 29 May.
A total of 26 cadets – 25 men and one woman – were awarded special ‘challenge coins’ to mark their move from trainees to full-time firefighters.
Stephen Walton, 32, who won a total of four awards, including the newly renamed Kirkland Nixon Award, given to the top cadet, said, “I worked extremely hard throughout the entire time. I put the time and effort in to try and give my best.”
But he admitted he was surprised by the number of awards he took home from the passing out parade at the Lions Community Centre in George Town.
Walton said, “I was maybe expecting one or two – I wasn’t expecting four. I definitely tried to apply pressure to myself from the beginning.”
He added that the workload, which involved long days followed by nights studying, was stressful.
But Walton, a former administrator who was posted to the aerodrome division, said, “It has all paid off.”
Ashley McLean, 29, changed career from a registered sleep technician at Health City Cayman Islands to firefighter and said it had been an eye opener although the two roles had elements in common.
She added, “I love serving my community and helping people. The two jobs go hand in hand.”
McLean said being a woman had not caused her any difficulties on the course and that her classmates had been supportive.
She added, “I got a really good group of guys, and I’ve made a lot of friends I will continue to see, even though we’ve been separated.”
Kareem Connor, 34, who used to work in logistics, said he came from a family tradition of public service and wanted to continue that.
He added, “I saw an opportunity to serve my community. Both my parents have worked as civil servants … so I saw the opportunity.”
He admitted, “I was a little intimidated at the beginning. When we did the written exam there were 600 applicants, but you just keep pushing on.”
Connor, who picked up two awards, including one for “team spirit” alongside Walton, said he was glad the training course was finally completed and he could move on to the next stage.
“I can go on and serve the community,” he said. “It’s exciting. It’s another step, another chapter.”
Connor, who also got the top award for the aerodrome section of the course, said he had also been posted to airport duty.
Divisional Manager (Domestic) Ebanks Henry Ebanks, in charge of firefighters on general duty, acted as the master of ceremonies at the event, which was attended by Governor Jane Owen and a host of other dignitaries.
Ebanks said he was pleased to see such a large class finish the course and that when he started his career almost 30 years ago, the intake was much smaller.
He added, “They have achieved a lot. The fire service has always been a job that everybody wants. We narrowed it down to 28 and 26 graduated.”
Ebanks said, “Being a firefighter is a taxing and physical job. But you also have to show aptitude and attitude combined with the physical part.”
He said the job had become increasingly technical, with fresh challenges, such as cars loaded with technology and airbags, which were potentially dangerous to firefighters at crashes, as well as electric vehicles.
Ebanks said, “It’s constantly evolving. It’s not just putting water on to a fire. There are so many complex things you have to consider.
“And we also have to represent our service, the country and the government to the highest standards.”
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