Minister Perinchief commended the class for their commitment and readiness to serve the community
Media Release:
Nine firefighter recruits were recognised today for reaching an important milestone in their journey to becoming fully trained members of the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS).
The Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Ryan Robinson Perinchief, JP, joined Acting Chief Fire Officer Troy Furbert, senior BFRS officers, instructors, family members and other guests at the Milestone Awards Ceremony held at Hamilton Fire Station.
The ceremony marked the completion of two of the three phases required for the recruits to become fully trained firefighters.
In addition to presentations of certificates and awards, the ceremony included an impressive display by the recruits on responding to a simulated building fire, as well as the extraction of a person trapped in a vehicle after a collision.
The recruit class comprised eight Bermudians and one spouse of a Bermudian. They are Jaylon Bather, E. Camren Caines, Jayorie Fox, Erik Frederick, Cole Hepburn, Stefan Maybury, Kobie Reid, Jonah Robinson and Keion Smith. Firefighter Cole Hepburn was presented with the award of Outstanding Recruit, as well as the Highest Academic Award.
The recruits have completed extensive training locally and overseas. This rigorous training includes certification in Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements, and the Skills for Justice Level 3 Certificate in Operational Firefighting.
Minister Perinchief said he was particularly encouraged to see young Bermudians pursuing careers in the fire service, noting that most of the recruits were under 30, including one who was just 18 years old.
“I am particularly encouraged to see young Bermudian men stepping forward, accepting demanding training and preparing themselves for careers built on responsibility, teamwork and service to others,” the Minister stated.
He added: “When our firefighters arrive at an accident, a fire or another emergency, people depend on their dedication, discipline, work ethic and competence to effectively and calmly handle the situation.
“The men and women in this service consistently demonstrate all those qualities and you are blessed to be accepted into their fold.”
The Minister also reminded the recruits of the significance of the profession they are entering.
He stated: “This is a calling for those who accept the opportunity to serve our people. At times, that service may not be fully appreciated by the wider community, and there will be moments when the demands of the job feel challenging or the circumstances under which you must operate feel constrained.
“However, those realities must not dissuade you from giving your very best for the benefit and betterment of our Country.”
Acting Chief Fire Officer Troy Furbert said the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the work and perseverance that had brought the recruits to this stage.
“This occasion is about far more than certificates, assessments, or completed training modules. It is about recognising the commitment, sacrifice, resilience, and character that have brought you to this point.”
Mr Furbert said the milestone should also serve as a reminder that the standards developed during training must continue throughout the recruits’ careers.
“For our recruits, today’s award is not the finish line. It is a milestone. It marks the completion of one stage of development and the beginning of another.
“The standards you have demonstrated throughout recruit training are not temporary. They are now ongoing expectations.”
The latest recruit class forms part of the BFRS’s continuing effort to attract and develop local firefighters. Since 2022, the Service has recruited and trained 50 local firefighters, with 23 recruited in 2022, 11 in 2023, nine in 2024 and seven in 2025.
The Minister also acknowledged the instructors, training partners and family members who have supported the recruits throughout their training.
“To those on parade today, I say ‘well done’. You have earned the right to be here today. I expect you now to conduct yourselves with honour, discipline, dignity and pride as you go about performing your duties, and to uphold the Department’s core values,” Minister Robinson Perinchief added.
