The Tema Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has held a send-off ceremony for 23 senior officers who have retired from active service.
The event was held to honour the contributions of the officers who have played a crucial role in ensuring fire safety and emergency response in Ghana.
Dr. Albert Brown Gasie, past Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, who chaired the ceremony, said the work of the fire service was “risky and dirty;” therefore, there was a need to honour officers who were able to endure for years.
He advised the retirees to get regular health checks as the work put officers at health risk, saying such check-ups would ensure they live long, saying, “It’s a good feeling to live long.”
He added that being retired did not mean they were done with the service, advising that the retired officers should write memoirs for the juniors to read and learn from them.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to the retirees and some active officers to honour and appreciate their service to the GNFS and the nation.
Some of the retired officers shared their experiences and challenges with the Ghana News Agency in an interview, raising issues with inadequate equipment.
Mr. Theophilous Quaye, a retired fire service personnel who served for 34 years, said even though in the 1990s the GNFS lacked a lot of needed equipment, they were able to manoeuvre to save lives, saying that “I can see there is a lot of equipment now, and I’m impressed.”
Mr. Philemon Boateng, another retired officer, said his service to the nation was memorable and a great experience, noting that “I remember when we used to use our personal money to buy uniforms and boots.”
He noted that he joined the GNFS out of commitment and passion, expressing worry that most people were now joining because of money and the hardship in the country.
He revealed that during his early days in the service, they had to improvise with handkerchiefs soaked in water or urine to cover their noses when working, as there was no provision of protective clothes.
Mr. Prince Lord Sackey, who also served the GNFS for 32 years, said, “As a firefighter if God is going to destroy the world with fire, we will survive because of our experience.”
Source: myghanadaily
