A group of firefighters have notched up a decade on the front line of public safety.

Sergeant Steven Caisey said: “A career in emergency services requires compassion and self-sacrifice.

“It can be extremely demanding, which is why we have to honour those who have reached significant milestones.

“It's incredibly valuable to have long-serving staff and personnel who can pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of firefighters at the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

“On behalf of all firefighters and staff, I thank all of our 10 years of service firefighters for putting their community first and keeping Bermuda safe.”

Sergeant Caisey was speaking as Allon Jackson, Tyrell Burgess, Dwight Tucker, Ryan Desilva, Jamal Simons and Acting Sergeant Tristan Burchall passed the ten-year milestone.

Mr Jackson said: “It’s been an honour to serve Bermuda over these past 10 years and I wouldn’t change a thing.

“It has been a big sacrifice being away from family and friends at times, but the most rewarding part is knowing that I’m able to change someone’s life through my actions as a firefighter.

“It makes it all worth it”.

Mr Jackson added he appreciated the accolade, but said he wanted to salute “all the dedicated and long-serving members of the BFRS who give their all daily”.

He said he could remember his recruit class “like it was yesterday” and his involvement in tackling a massive blaze at the then-HWP showroom and body shop in 2011 alongside veteran firefighters.

Sergeant Caisey said that the past 10 years had taken the firefighters on “an incredible journey” which has seen them trained to work in the structural and aircraft divisions.

The structural division covers emergency services such as firefighting, emergency medical response vehicle extrication and rescue, hazardous material response, and emergency special services.

The airport division is responsible for aviation fire and rescue.

The group are also EMT or EMT-I trained, which qualifies them to crew the BFRS ambulance based at Clearwater Fire Station in St George’s.

Mr Caisey said: “Their recruit course was intense and was designed to produce a professional fire service officer trained in a variety of disciplines.

“They are internationally certified firefighters as they have travelled abroad to the United States and Canada.”

Chief Fire Officer Reginald Burchall told the group: “Loyal and dedicated employees like you are the foundation to any successful fire department.

“Thank you for your contribution to our success. To the Class of 2011 – your dedication, our gratitude.”