The Cayman Islands Fire Service held a train-the-trainer workshop to brush up on skills of its officers recently.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rosworth McLaughllin explained that “Training and development is high on our agenda and it is an on-going and vital element of our operation.”

Mr. McLaughlin added that training keeps the officers on the cutting edge, allowing them to maintain a state of readiness.

According to the Deputy Chief, practice makes perfect and the service has used a number of training methods including drills and simulations to help develop staff skills and professionalism.

Last year, the Fire Department held nine training exercises ranging from report writing and supervisory skills development, to aerodrome vehicle operation and command and control courses.

Refresher courses on gender awareness for all staff members in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac are also underway.

The department has also scheduled recertification courses in the use and repair of breathing apparatus.

Presented by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service Training Officer Paul Rose, the latest train-the-trainer workshop allowed eight fire officers to from various ranks to successfully achieve the first level of City and Guilds certification in foundation teaching methods.

These include Ernest Barnes, Richard McLaughlin, Garfield Ritch, Brevon Elliot, Sherman Yates, Mark Hydes, Brainard McLaughlin, and Duane Tibbetts.