The Barbados Fire Service has unveiled a new logo to represent the agency’s modern approach to safety and emergency response.
During a brief unveiling ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs offices in Wildey, St Michael on Monday, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams told media personnel that the change to the logo was a long time in coming and was necessary to effectively outline the service’s modern approach to its duties.
“We’ve had a logo for a very long time, and a logo is a symbol, a symbol by which we are identified. With the changing face of our fire service, with the changing skill sets of our fire officers, with the changing expectations [from the] public of what the fire service represents, the old logo no longer had a place in our new fire service.
“Our new fire service is about reinforcing excellence through service. It’s also about spreading the message of prevention and mitigation. It’s also about saying that we are proud of our country, we are proud of the service that we provide and we want the symbol that represents us to be worn with pride,” he said.
Abrahams went on to say that the service has refocused its efforts on prevention and mitigation.
“A proactive approach to preventing emergencies demonstrates foresight and dedication to community safety, thus fostering a sense of security around residents. Prevention efforts often involve collaboration with other agencies and organisations, promoting community-wide partnerships as a holistic approach to safety.
“This new logo will serve as a symbol of this proactive and community-oriented approach. Reinforcing the message of prevention and mitigation,” Abrahams said.
Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard said the service has changed drastically over the years to better serve the needs of the nation.
“We need to change as we become much closer to fulfilling our vision, and that is to be truly a modern and professional fire service. This exercise is only the beginning of our efforts to improve our image, not only for our regular customers but also to attract new entrants and remain attractive to them.
“The Barbados Fire Service of today is far removed from what it was 10 to 15 years ago. Previously, we were seen as the go-to organisation for the next fire or motor vehicle accident. Today, while we still respond to fires and motor vehicle incidents, the Barbados Fire Service has become intimately involved with prevention, fire and life safety training, community education, inspections, and consultations.” (SB)
