BELIZE CITY – In a formal ceremony recognizing exceptional public service, twenty-one of Belize’s most dedicated firefighters received Long Service Awards this week for their commitment to national safety. The honored personnel, representing fire stations from Corozal to Toledo, have served between ten and twenty-five years in the Belize National Fire Service.
The Ministry of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management organized the event to acknowledge firefighters who routinely confront dangerous situations while others retreat. Minister Henry Charles Usher presented the awards, emphasizing that these professionals form the backbone of Belize’s emergency response system despite frequently operating without widespread public recognition.
“These dedicated officers have persevered through numerous national emergencies, technological transformations, and increasing public expectations,” Minister Usher stated during the ceremony. “This recognition represents both our gratitude and our commitment to investing in our National Fire Service’s future.”
Fire Chief Colin Gillett highlighted the significance of retaining personnel with decades of institutional knowledge, noting that many awardees served through periods of limited resources and challenging conditions due to their profound dedication to community protection.
Following the awards presentation, officials conducted a site visit to the under-construction National Fire Service Headquarters in Belize City. Minister Usher confirmed the facility represents part of a broader initiative to enhance operational capabilities and improve working conditions for firefighters nationwide. The project addresses a longstanding need after the previous administration reportedly sold the former headquarters without establishing a replacement plan.
The government simultaneously announced the approval of previously negotiated allowances for firefighters and committed to reviewing the service’s organizational structure to ensure appropriate compensation frameworks. These developments signal increased institutional support for personnel who routinely demonstrate courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to public safety.