Twenty-two new recruits of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) graduated in a passing out ceremony yesterday while seven fire officers from the airport fire service were promoted.

This was during a ceremony at the SFRSA headquarters at New Port in the presence of Home Affairs Minister Charles Bastienne. Also present were chief fire officers Andre Morel of the SFRSA and Bernard Henriette of the airport fire service unit among other high officials and firefighters.

The event formed part of activities organised to commemorate the International Firefighters’ Day celebrated on May 4.

During the six-month training, the newly-graduated firefighters learned how to prepare themselves for any fire incident. Roddy Jean Charles came out the best overall performer while Effendi Prosper clinched the best academic performer award.

As for the airport fire service officers, there were promotions from the ranks of fire officer to station officer, leading firefighter to sub officer, and firefighter level II to leading firefighter.

“As we all know, there is no training without difficulties. But what was important is that you have shown great character and endeavour to overcome those difficult moments and will succeed. Graduates you should be proud of yourselves,” Mr Regis Bethew, divisional officer and head of training, told the young recruits.

He informed them that it is important to get involved in their community, gain the support and trust of the public while not forgetting their relatives and friends as it will be very difficult if not impossible for them to prevail in their mission – to save life and property.

“Today it is just the beginning. Your next step now is to be committed and ready to actively participate and perform duties alongside or together with your fellow firefighters to overcome challenges and to gain experiences,” continued Mr Bethew. He advised them to take their duty seriously with discipline and responsibility as it is vital to meet the public aspiration.

Other than Roddy Jean Charles who won best overall performer prize, the other recipients were Manuella Monthy (best female outdoor), Leslie Marie (best male outdoor), Christopher Isnard (best improved recruit), Garry Sophola (best disciplinary performer) and Effendi Prosper (best academic performer).

New recruit Fadette Henri had words of thanks for the Almighty God whom she said has given them strength, courage and health to be where they are today.
 
She also thanked their parents and relatives for their support, and also told her colleagues she hopes that what they have learned have brought them much accomplishment.

Chief fire officer at the airport, Bernard Henriette told his officers firefighting is not an easy job as it entails many risks and challenges but at the end of the day having saved a life is a wonderful and most worthy feeling.

He said this before promoting seven officers from the airport unit. He told them that their promotion is more importantly about an increase in responsibility, to produce more and to be accountable.

The highest rank achieved among those promoted was from fire officer to station officer. This went to Gaetan Bastienne.