Minister of Public Safety Terry Lister spoke yesterday in the House of Assembly about essential training of Bermuda Fire Service staff.

In his statement, Mr. Lister explained that training was needed for fire personnel to adequately protect lives and property from fire and other disasters. Mr. Lister also said that it was important to train the Emergency Medical Dispatchers who work for the Fire Service to help anyone who is in need of medical assistance.

Mr. Lister spoke of four Fire Service personnel that had gone to relevant training programmes to develop and improve their skills.

All of the personnel had, Mr. Lister said, "completed a period of attachment with two United Kingdom Brigades in order to enhance their practical knowledge."

Two officers had also taken a management development seminar in Maryland.

Mr. Lister spoke of the enhancement of courses for marine firefighting. Acting Divisional Officer Anthony Caisey was in Barbados where he participated in a tabletop exercise and interacted with other firefighters from the Caribbean region.

"The Chief Fire Officer remains confident that his organisation will grow from strength to strength as a result of the professionalism of the men and women of the Bermuda Fire Service," Mr. Lister said.