President Adama Barrow on Wednesday, 9th October 2019 received three giant fire fighting trucks and a set of firefighting apparatus from the Avon Fire Brigade in the United Kingdom for onward delivery to The Gambia Fire and Rescue Services.
The Chief Fire Officer of the Avon Brigade, Michael David Crennell said they cherished their partnership with the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, which began in the 1990s. He expressed commitment to continue supporting and growing the relationship for the mutual benefit of both services.
‘’We are honoured and privileged to be able to have the partnership and we will continue to support’’, CFO Crennell said describing the partnership as a two-way exchange.
‘‘What we have seen is the level of support grow, and what’s more, is that we have seen the level of the professional of the fire service in The Gambia grow during that period. Very much looking forward to the future because as time goes by it becomes more and more strong as a partnership’’.
He commended President Barrow for being ‘’very supportive to us’’ revealing that the President is quite pleased with the partnership that exists between the two fire brigades.
The Deputy Chief Fire Officer of The Gambia Fire Rescue Service, Lamin Sanyang expressed gratitude on behalf of the service for the assistance stating that it was not the first time of its kind.
‘’We GFRS do receive training manuals, practical training, and equipment. It is based on this partnership that we were able to get them a fire engine fully-equipped like this we cannot buy it. We are very proud of them.’’ Chief Sanayng disclosed.
He added that the donation will greatly complement their work and expand their areas of coverage: “With this donation we will operate as far as Wuli in the Upper River Region. We have never thought that we will reach that place and save lives across the country’’.
The presentation ceremony took place at the State House in Banjul in the presence of the UK High Commissioner to The Gambia, H.E. Sharon Wardle, and other senior government officials, including the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of The Gambia, Lamin Sanyang.
Issued by State House Press office