In a formal recognition ceremony held in Belize City on October 17, 2026, 27 dedicated officers from Belize’s National Fire Service (NFS) received long service awards for their cumulative decades of commitment to protecting communities across the nation.
The event highlighted two standout career milestones: Assistant Divisional Officer Kenneth Mortis and Station Officer Brenton Gentle both celebrated 30 years of frontline service with the NFS. Retired Station Officer Miguel Medina was also recognized for his 20 years of dedicated service to the force, joining the cohort of honored personnel for their sustained contributions.
Addressing attendees and award recipients at the ceremony, Minister of the Public Service Henry Charles Usher emphasized the critical value of acknowledging the sacrifices and service of fire officers who have devoted their careers to keeping Belizeans safe. “Today, we honour not only the years these officers have given, but also the important contribution they have made to our nation,” Usher stated during his remarks.
Beyond individual recognition, the Ministry of the Public Service underscored the broader institutional impact of retaining experienced fire personnel. Long-serving officers, the ministry noted, build institutional knowledge and strengthen the NFS’s overall operational capacity, ensuring the service can maintain rapid, effective response capabilities for emergencies ranging from structure fires to natural disasters across every region of Belize. The ministry extended formal congratulations to all 27 awardees, closing the event by reiterating gratitude for their decades of selfless public service.