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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I accepted the invitation of the Chief Fire Marshal to attend and address the graduation ceremony of the Cadet Firefighters of Series No.2 today.
A three-year cycle of academic and professional training, with the completion of which 27 new members of the Fire Service, who were recruited on 3 August 2020, have successfully completed all stages of their training and as now active officers are ready to fulfill their mission with competence and efficiency and to fully meet the increased obligations and requirements of the profession.
Another 26 members of Series No. 3, who were recruited on 05 April 2021, continue to attend the Basic Firefighter Cadet Training of Semester 3 and 44 members of Series No. 4, who were recruited on 7 November 2022, attend the Basic Training of Semester 2.
In addition, the process of filling the 259 vacant positions of Firefighters is in its final stage, a process which is expected to be completed around the beginning of the New Year 2024.
Undoubtedly, the above demonstrates the great effort that is being made to substantially strengthen the personnel of the Fire Service and, by extension, the State's response system to the increased fire safety and fire protection requirements, and not only, of the modern era.
And I mention not only because unfortunately the phenomenon of climate change, which is now visible to all of us, has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of fires that have occurred in recent years not only in our country, but also in countries which in the past did not face particular problems from the outbreak of fires, and the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena. Therefore, the need for continuous evaluation and strengthening of the fire protection sector, the prevention, response and suppression of fires in the country and the entire system of timely and effective response to protect and save human lives and safeguard the property of citizens both through the strengthening and upgrading of human resources and logistical infrastructure and through the introduction of technological systems, becomes imperative.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The State has entrusted the Fire Service with ensuring the particularly critical area of public safety, which through a constantly changing environment and rapid technological developments makes the role of the Firefighter even more important and at the same time difficult in a now diversified working environment.
And it is for this very reason that the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the leadership of the Fire Service have placed high on our priorities the continuous training of its members by conducting specialized training programs as well as by participating in training programs abroad. The aim is that the Fire Service is always at the highest possible level of operational readiness to respond to any incident, whether it concerns fires or the response and management of extreme weather events or other man-made disasters and crises.
Already, the Service has demonstrated significant work and its response with great success to difficult incidents we have had to face as a country, as well as its participation in missions abroad, largely outline the high level of professional training and dedication of its members.
Dear new members and existing staff,
Be proud of your choice to join and serve the Fire Service. A choice which draws a very high degree of responsibility and unceasing service to the community and citizens. I am sure that you will honour this choice with your actions and that you will be worthy of the honour due to a member of the Fire Service.
In conclusion, I would like to express my warmest congratulations to the 27 new members of the Fire Service who are today completing all stages of their basic training.
In particular, I would like to congratulate the primary and secondary Firefighters of Training Series No. 1 and 2 that we are awarding today.
At the same time, I would like to commend the Chief Fire Marshal and the entire leadership of the Fire Service for their daily and tireless efforts, as well as for their admirable level of dedication in carrying out their multi-dimensional and demanding work.
I would be remiss if I did not express my congratulations and thanks to the Commandant of the School of Firefighting Cadets and the teaching staff, visiting lecturers and academic associates for their tireless efforts to ensure that the training provided is of a high academic and professional standard.
Rest assured that the already high level of academic and professional education offered by both the School of the Fire Service and the School of Firefighter Cadets, the programme of which was provided at the Cyprus Police Academy until the creation of the Fire Academy - and at this point I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Chief of Police and the Director and staff of the Police Academy for the continued support and excellent cooperation between the two Services in this area, Not only will it continue, but it will be upgraded even further, since through training we will be able to achieve the main goal we have set as a State, which is none other than to provide the best possible services to our fellow citizens.
I wish you all a good professional career and I invite you to always have as a beacon and compass of your decisions and actions the purpose you have set out to serve: the protection of the interests of our country and the safety of each citizen and his/her property individually.
Thank you.
(AF/NZ)
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