14 rookies on the path toward a career of “service, discipline, and purpose”
Government press release:
The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) last week celebrated the achievements of 14 recruits who have successfully completed the BFRS Foundation Course.
The certificate presentation ceremony took place at the Hamilton Fire Station on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, in front of family, friends, BFRS officers, and dignitaries.
While this milestone marks the end of the recruits’ initial training phase, it is also the beginning of the next stage of their professional journey.
The foundation course is the first step towards becoming fully qualified firefighters and emergency medical technicians in Bermuda.
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, participated in presenting the awards alongside Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell and congratulated the recruits, stating: “Today is more than the end of your training. It is the beginning of a career of service, discipline, and purpose”.
“You have been through weeks of demanding training physically, mentally, and emotionally, and you have proven that you have what it takes to wear this uniform”.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of family and friends in the recruits’ success, stating: “Your encouragement, understanding, and sacrifices have been the quiet strength behind these recruits’ success. This achievement is yours as much as it is theirs. Without your support, many would not be standing here in uniform today.”
Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell commended the recruits’ performance while emphasising the importance of the next stage in their development, highlighting that they have successfully completed an important first step, but that the journey is not over.
He emphasised, “Over the coming months, you will gain crucial work experience in preparation for your National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians test, and that step is every bit as important as the training you have just completed, and it will further define your readiness to serve.”
The foundation training covered various firefighting and emergency response skills, including fire ground operations, hazardous material handling, water rescue, road traffic collision response, and emergency medical care. Recruits also underwent rigorous physical training and academic testing.
The BFRS continues to align its training with UK Fire & Rescue Service industry standards, ensuring that Bermuda’s firefighters are equipped with internationally recognised qualifications and best-practice skills.
The BFRS is proud that, as part of their comprehensive training, all recruits are expected to earn the Skills for Justice Level 3 award, a UK qualification for professionals in various public and emergency services roles.
The Ministry of National Security reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the BFRS by recruiting and preparing more Bermudians for this vital public safety role.
The recruits are:
Ari Cannonier, Jayce Basden, Matthew Mello-Cann, Jacob Estis, Malik Joell, Tariq Sabir, Tarreko Wilson, Corey Torak, Nasir Ray-Georges, Jashon Poyer-Pitcher, Jamori Jones-Tyrell, Kimai Hendrickson, Benjamin Furquan and Azende Furbert.
