During the week of February 22nd – March 1st, 2015, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) North Eleuthera District, led by Assistant Superintendent (ASP) James Miller teamed up with the Harbour Island Volunteer Fire Brigade to host an event filled Fire Safety Week under the Theme “One Team One Mission”
Events and activities hosted during the week included a town meeting, fire drills and a school visit , EMT training, as well as a T-shirt day and a fun day fundraisers.
ASP Miller, who began serving in North Eleuthera on November 24th, 2014, shortly after Superintendent Christopher Wright was promoted to Officer In Charge of the entire Eleuthera District, explained why the initiative was important during a brief interview following the Monday night (February 23rd, 2015) town meeting, saying, “From where we stand, as officers responsible for any emergency and crime, we see a need for the Fire Brigade to be upgraded and receive training, and the system needs to be revamped, with the help of the community. Based on the number of fires they experience – the community saw the same needs we’ve seen. Because of that, we are now trying to put a better system in place.”
He added that the goals of the week long Fire Safety Initiative were two pronged, saying, “One goal is to educate both the adults within the community and the school kids. The town meeting catered to an adult audience, and on Tuesday we have a session with the school. Now that in itself is to make the community more aware of fire prevention and fire safety. Secondly, with this initiative, we are looking at raising some funds to be able to purchase equipment, fire suits and the necessary things that we need to keep the volunteer fire brigade going.”
ASP Miller shared that:
- The brigade was in need of a minimum of fifteen (15) fire retard suits
- The Fire Truck was in need of general maintenance, tire replacements, as well as being licensed and insured.
- The ambulance vehicle was also said to be in need of body maintenance
all equating to thousands of dollars in funds to meet those collective needs.
A recent merge of the volunteer fire safety brigade in Harbour Island with the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) personnel into one branch to form an Emergency Response Unit, also resulted in the need for additional training and refresher courses.
ASP Miller highlighted that donations were being accepted by both business and private donors and were most welcomed.
The week concluded with a closing out ceremony held during a church service at the Light House Church of God where several of the volunteers were recognized for their service thus far. Also in attendance at the closing out ceremony were Ms. Nora Albury, Chief Counselor for Harbour Island; Supt. Christopher Wright, Officer-In-Charge of Eleuthera Division; ASP James Miller and Inspector Kelsey Farquharson.
According to the RBPF North Eleuthera Division, this initiative will continue due to the desperate need. The overwhelming support for the volunteer services provided by the Briland Fire Brigade in conjunction with the RBPF was also acknowledged.
