Belize’s fire chief visits fire fighters in training

By BBN Staff:Belize’s Fire Chief, Ted Smith, is on a trip to the United States this week visiting two Belizean firefighters studying in Virginia, USA.

The two firefighters, Patrick Parks and Johnny Cardenas, are on a six-month training course at the Hanover Fire Academy.

Smith says he is trying to secure similar scholarships for two more Belizean firefighters to study at the Hanover Fire Academy.

Smith also met Jethro Piland, Chief of the Hanover County Fire and EMS (Emergency Medical Support) Department in the state of Virginia.

Smith was accompanied during his visit by retired Fire Chief from Chesterfield County, Virginia, Paul Mauger; and Belize-American President of the Virginia Emergency Service Assistance Program (VESAP) for Belize, Archibald McFarlane.

Mauger and McFarlane had made a one-week visit to Belize back in February, when they toured facilities countrywide and supervised training sessions for local firefighters in leadership, management and strategic planning.

Both men were also instrumental in securing the six-month training for the two Belizeans currently enrolled at Hanover Fire Academy.