Firefighters back at West Bay station
Chief Fire Officer David Hails and officers from the West Bay Fire Station
(CNS): Following $35,000 worth of repairs and renovations, the West Bay fire crew is back at base two months after work on mould problems in the air-conditioning system at the fire house drove them into temporary accommodation at the Ed Bush Sports Complex. The district fire station reopened Wednesday, when dignitaries from across government showed up to mark the fire crew’s return. Chief Fire Officer David Hails said the air-conditioning units have now been fixed at all Cayman Islands fire stations.
Other improvements at this station include new firefighting equipment that will benefit all fire officers as well as members of the community in need, but Hails said that this was just the beginning and that he was grateful for the support from government.
“We’ve really only scratched the surface; there is a long way to go,” he explained. “My aim is to transform the Cayman Islands Fire Service into the premier fire service within the Caribbean and beyond. That’s my dream; that’s my aim.”
Premier Alden McLaughlin, who has responsibility for the fire service, welcomed the West Bay firefighters back home.
“With the efforts of Chief David Hails and the Ministry of Home Affairs, I am happy to say that the problems have been completely fixed and today you have a brand new air-condition system as well as new furniture,” he said. “And you once again have a safe and healthy working environment.”
He also acknowledged all local fire fighters for their bravery and courageous efforts, as he pointed to the important work they do, and thanked them for “running toward the danger so that the rest of us can be safe”.
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson said the mould had been a problem for a while and he was glad that it was finally resolved. Education Minister Tara Rivers, one of the four West Bay MLAs, said she was happy to be part of a government that supported the improvements.
Category: Local News
Thank you Chief Hails you have made a difference.
Congrats to the Fire Chief for these improvements, the staff really deserve them. What is the plans for the Bay Doors. Having to crossing the WB Station daily I notice that the doors are still not working.
However there is hope for this too, all things seem possible and funds available now that there is a foreign Fire Chief in control. For the last 12 years the previous Fire Chiefs provided reports of the deplorable conditions of the buildings especially in George Town and West Bay, begged for same things to happen and was turned down by the “powers to be”……..simple the “crab in the bucket mentality”
That is Tara trying to get mileage out of it. If a butterfly flutter by she will grab on to it. Desperation personified .
‘Bout time..
Congrats to the Fire service. Now if we could only start to straighten out other essential service departments.
Sometimes I really do not understand Tarra. What about the government fixing up the fire station and getting rid of mould is cause for support. That is what any half- baked government should do. As a matter of fact it should not have been allowed to get in the condition it was in in the firs place. Does anyone really realise how unhealthy it has been for the employees? Does anyone realise that breathing in mould can kill you.? Supporting them- you should have been kicking their butts to get done.