Earlier this month, Seychelles joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Labour Day and International Firefighters’ Day which were observed on May 1 and 4 respectively.

With 22 years of service dedicated to firefighting, Jones Madeleine shares his journey as a firefighter and reminds us of the importance of these two international observances.

Q: What is the significance of Labour Day and Firefighters’ Day?

A: As an organisation, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) recognises International Labour Day, but we do not place emphasis on commemorating it, as we need to remain on guard and alert while people celebrate, in case of any accidents or fires. However, we do valorise Firefighters’ Day and personally, I appreciate being able to help people through my work and to share my knowledge which benefits our organisation and all its workers.

Every country needs to develop and in order to do this, we need workers as they are important for pushing the country forward to achieve its vision. I always encourage other people, including my own child, to work with their heart and to appreciate their work; if they do this, they will meet their own expectations and those of others, and truly have reason to celebrate.

These two days of observance remind us that to be a good worker, we need to do our jobs well, with responsibility, devotion, discipline and honesty, in order to make things work and to prevent problems.

On another note, I feel that not all organisations in Seychelles are being appreciated as they should and it is important that the government recognises this to help motivate workers.

 

Q: Tell us about your career thus far as a firefighter?

A: Initially, this was not the career I chose. At the age of 18, I was offered a job at the SFRSA and after being briefed about all the sections of the organisation, I was interested in joining the Prevention section.

Following the recruitment stage, I worked in the Operations unit for one year, and after this I started working in the Prevention section where I did inspections and read plans. Seven years later, I was transferred to the Training section and today, after 22 years of service, I am the head of this unit. Aside from this, I am also involved in public relations (PR) work for the organisation.

As the head of the training section, I am responsible for both in-service and external trainings. In-service training is for recruits and fire officers while external training is for other private or public sector organisations. They can request for training, but it is to be noted that all organisations are required by law to train 75% of their workforce on basic fire safety.

As part of PR work, I speak to the public on behalf of the SFRSA to ensure that they are given correct information for preventing fires in different circumstances. I also try my best to be involved in all the other sections of the organisation so as to develop myself further and help the organisation to move forward. 

 

Q: What has brought you happiness in your job?

A: What I love most is being able to educate the public; this makes me very satisfied as I am able to help a lot of people and give my heart for the benefit of someone else.

In 2012, I was accredited best firefighter of the year and this also made me very happy and emotional. I believe it was the devotion I give to my work that led me to receive this award. I do my work with my heart and I am not scared to stand up for the organisation and to support it in all senses. I give more than is expected of me and always respond whenever there is an incident.

As a result of this, I have been promoted many times over the years and this also makes me happy as I feel appreciated by my organisation and by the public for the work that I do.  

 

Q: What are some of the challenges you face as a firefighter?

A: It is difficult when we don’t meet the public’s expectations and when we cannot do anything else to help someone, so we have to find another way to console them. Sometimes, when we get to an incident, it is already out of control and we cannot do anything, like some years ago when an ammonia leak killed six people on board a boat. This brings about emotional stress on the officers and we have to talk to them to get them back on track.

At one point, I wanted to quit my job, but the chief fire officer encouraged me to stay. I have progressed well since and have learned to let incidents build me, so I am happy that I decided to stay.

I cope with the challenges by always trying to get myself back into a normal frame of mind after an incident or issue, by first accepting what I did and could not do and also explaining what happened to those involved or affected.

Sometimes, I don’t get the motivation that I need, but my determination is what drives me, especially when I meet people’s expectations and they thank me – this makes me really proud. It is important to do what you can, even if you don’t always get what you want in return.

 

Q: What is your message to all workers and to those who are able, but choose not to work?

A: Many young people are involved in social ills and are not developing themselves to achieve their goals; this is not right nor healthy for them and for our country. I want to encourage young people by asking them If you want to have a family in the future, how can you progress if you do not work?

On the other hand, I support and salute everyone, wherever they are, who is working well and hard. Without a helping hand, we will not be able to achieve our vision and we won’t have the society we want for our children in the future. When you work with your heart, things will work out well for you, for others and for the country.