THE Fire Services held its year-end awards function on January 4, honouring eight retired firemen.

They parted with a promise by Fire Chief Lennox Alfred that upgrading of the Fire Services is in progress.

He said the Service would this year rectify the problems of faulty hydrants and lack of vehicles that plagued it in 2005.

The honoured retirees included Evans Thomas, who enlisted into the Fire Services on November 15, 1974.

Thomas received his first promotion to the rank of Fire Sub-Officer on February 23, 1983, nine years after he joined the service.

On May 2, 1996, he was again promoted to Fire Station Officer.

The retirees hold their awards.

Fire Chief Officer, LENNOX ALFRED and his
secretary.

After 30 years in the service, he retired on March 18, 2005 with a diploma in Management Studies.

Lemuel Collymore joined the Fire Services on September 1, 1971.

In March 2004 he was appointed Fire Service Officer after obtaining a diploma in Management Studies and completing various local courses.

He retired on November 19, 2005.

Astor Hinds enlisted into the service on May 15, 1975.

His first promotion came on July 16, 1984 to Fire Sub-Officer.

Later, he was again elevated to the rank of Fire Station Officer.

Hinds retired on August 9, 2005 after 30 years in the service.

Norman Wilkes enlisted into the Fire Services on February 2, 1974.

On July 17, 1998, he was promoted to the rank of Fire Station Officer.

Wilkes retired on August 17, 2005 after 31 years of dedicated service.

Asquith King joined the service on September 1, 1970 and was promoted to Divisional Fire Officer.

He retired on December 18, 2005.

Alfred Maraj joined on February 2, 1974. He was later appointed to the rank of Divisional Fire Service Officer in September 2000.

He retired on April 8, 2005 with a diploma in Management Studies.

Faizul Juman joined in July 1970 and was promoted to Fire Sub-Station Officer in December 1982.

After serving 35 years in the service, Juman retired on May 29, 2005 at the rank of Brigades Engineer.

He had acquired a diploma in Management Studies and a certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and Public Relations.

Wilfred Heywood joined on December 1, 1967 and was appointed Assistant Chief Fire Officer on January 15, 1998.

Heywood retired on August 26, 2005 with a diploma in Manage-ment Studies.