The "constant depletion" of human resources is of concern to the Barbados Fire Service.Speaking at the Chief Fire Officer's Parade and Awards Ceremony at the Arch Hall Station, St Thomas, yesterday, Acting Chief Fire Officer Randolph Cox said the service had lost five senior officers in the last 15 months due to retirement.
"In addition to the senior officers and the failure to fill noted vacancies, the departure of these officers has left a gap in experience in the department and a deficit in the human resources," Cox said
The five who retired had 200 years of combined service between them.
He was referring to Chesterfield Mayers, Anthony Blackman, Eric Rice, Patrick Blackman and Wilfred Moseley who all received gifts in recognition of their service.
"The deficit of experience will have an impact on the overall organisation especially in the area of management, since the fire fighting experience that these officers have left with cannot be obtained overnight," he said.
Even though he expressed the department's concerns about the situation and the fact that the "shortage is having an adverse effect on the smooth operations of the department", Cox said the officers had risen to the task.
The acting chief also used the opportunity to encourage the officers to be disciplined and maintain high standards at all times.
"I want to remind you, that the discipline of the Barbados Fire Service must be maintained by personnel at all times whether off [or] on duty. The administration of the department will not condone any acts of indiscipline by any officer," he warned.
In addition to acknowledging the contributions of the five senior officers a number of officers and junior cadets also received prizes for various things.
Among them were cadets Kyle Hamblin and Dario Blackman who took the Instructor's Trophy and Most Improved respectively. (YB)
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