JFB Receives Firefighting and Rescue Equipment
JIS: The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has received firefighting and rescue equipment valued at more than $12 million from National Safety Limited (NSL), with contributions from global emergency services leaders, Rosenbauer and Holmatro.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s emergency response capabilities following Hurricane Melissa, the equipment was handed over to the JFB at its facility in Angels, St. Catherine, yesterday (August 13).
The donation includes 100 HEROS NFPA firefighting helmets from Rosenbauer, along with accessories, spare parts, helmet-mounted lighting systems and other related components. They are intended to provide enhanced protection for firefighters operating in hazardous environments. Rosenbauer, a global provider of firefighting technology, has been serving fire departments for 160 years and has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Jamaica Fire Brigade.
Holmatro has donated nine specialised lifting bag systems and supporting rescue equipment.
The hydraulic equipment is designed to help emergency responders lift, stabilise and move heavy objects during rescue and recovery operations, including incidents involving collapsed structures, trapped persons and motor-vehicle crashes. Holmatro, founded in the Netherlands in 1967, is a global supplier of hydraulic equipment used in rescue, special tactics and industrial applications.
Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford, said the donation represents an important show of solidarity with the Brigade following the significant losses it suffered during Hurricane Melissa. He said the Brigade lost a fire truck in Black River and sustained damage and equipment losses at several stations.
Mr. Beckford said the contribution would enhance the safety of firefighters and strengthen their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Julian Davis-Buckle, said the contribution comes at a critical time, particularly as the Brigade continues to respond to motor-vehicle crashes and prepares for other major emergencies.
She noted that between January and June this year, the JFB responded to 480 motor-vehicle crashes, many of which required extrication operations.
She said the specialised lifting equipment would strengthen the Brigade’s capacity to respond to complex rescue situations, while the firefighting helmets would provide front-line personnel with enhanced protection.
“When emergency occurs, with the right equipment in the right place at the right time, we can make a difference between life and death,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of National Safety Limited, Granville Gayle, said the company was pleased to facilitate the donation through its long-standing relationships with Rosenbauer and Holmatro.
He said the Brigade had been seeking lifting equipment for about two years and that the donated systems would significantly improve its rescue capabilities.
Mr. Gayle explained that the lifting bags range in capacity from five tonnes to as many as 300 tonnes, making them useful in dealing with collapsed structures and heavy vehicles.
He also described the Rosenbauer helmets as state-of-the-art equipment, noting that they include integrated lighting capabilities and are an essential component of firefighters’ personal protective equipment.
National Safety Limited, Jamaica’s leading provider of safety, firefighting, rescue and industrial protection solutions, is the sole authorised representative in Jamaica for Rosenbauer and Holmatro and has represented the companies locally for more than 40 and 30 years, respectively.