By Martha Taumata Faavae
The Fire and Emergency Service Authority, FESA, can afford to catch its breath a little easier with newly trained firefighters and emergency workers to help with the heavy workload.
FESA took in 31 new young men and women this week who are graduates of an 11 weeks on the job training course.
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi cheered along with the parents and al the invited guests the graduates who made up the largest staff intake by FESA in their staff recruitment programme.
“ The role of the Authority over the past several years has expanded significantly as natural disasters and emergencies continue to raise with health crisis that affect the world and our small nation Samoa,” PM Tuilaepa noted in congratulating the graduates.
He warned the new fire and emergency workers that they will require “strength, courage, determination and commitment” to meet the challenging tasks ahead.
“Receiving your certificates, does not signal an end but rather the beginning of a long journey.
“You will be called to serve our people and our country in times of emergencies and our people will rely on you to provide the assistance that is required of you.”
More than 100 men and women make up the full staff of FESA and are spread out in the main islands of Upolu and Savaii.
FESA has expanded its first response duties from fire fighting to ambulance services with a staff “ who are trained physically and mentally to save lives and properties.”
On the job safety risks were acknowledged during the graduation as high and staff have to be on the alert at all times for their own protection.
“To the graduating fire fighters, this is your day and I congratulate you all on your achievements,” the Prime Minister ended on a high note.
