By Fatoumatta B Jallow, Kawsu Daffeh & Habdallah Daffeh
The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) has strengthened its workforce with the graduation of 280 recruits following months of rigorous training aimed at preparing them for emergency response duties.
The recruits formally joined the Service on Wednesday during a passing-out ceremony held at the Serekunda East Mini Stadium, Kanifing Municipality, attended by government officials, security personnel, families of the graduates and members of the public.
The graduating class comprises 128 men and 152 women, with women accounting for more than half of the new intake.
The ceremony marked the culmination of the recruits’ training and their preparation for the responsibilities associated with firefighting, rescue operations and other emergency interventions aimed at protecting lives and property.
Addressing the gathering, Yaya Fanneh, Commander of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service Training School, said the recruits had undergone extensive training to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to face the challenges of the profession.
Commander Fanneh urged the graduates to view the passing-out ceremony as the beginning of a new phase in their professional development rather than the end of their learning.
He reminded them that emergency response requires more than technical knowledge, stressing the importance of courage, discipline, teamwork and a willingness to make personal sacrifices in the line of duty.
Chief Fire Officer Masanneh S.K. Bah congratulated the recruits on completing their training and welcomed them into the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service.
Chief Bah said the nature of firefighting requires personnel to operate in hazardous and unpredictable environments, making it essential for them to remain calm, courageous and committed to their responsibilities.
He welcomed the strong representation of women among the recruits, describing their participation as an encouraging development for the Service.
The Chief Fire Officer also commended the instructors who contributed to the training of the recruits and thanked their families for the support and encouragement they provided throughout the training period.
He reminded the graduates that their uniforms represent more than their individual positions, noting that members of the public associate the uniform with the institution as a whole.
He therefore urged them to protect the credibility and reputation of the GFRS through responsible, disciplined and professional conduct.
Meanwhile, Lamin Jatta, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, said the recruits had undergone extensive physical and mental preparation as part of their training.
According to him, completing the programme demonstrated that the graduates had developed the endurance, discipline and determination required to take on the responsibilities of emergency responders.
DPS Jatta reaffirmed the Ministry of Interior’s support for the GFRS, particularly in efforts to strengthen the institution’s operational capacity through improved equipment and other forms of support.
He noted that the Fire and Rescue Service remains an important component of the country’s emergency response system, with personnel regularly called upon to respond to incidents that threaten lives and property.
He also emphasized the importance of discipline and adherence to professional standards, reminding the graduates that their new positions come with significant responsibilities.
With the country preparing for the 2026 presidential election, DPS Jatta urged the new personnel to maintain professionalism and political neutrality in the discharge of their duties.
He called on them to remain committed to the state, refrain from partisan political activities, and provide their services fairly to all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
He also thanked the various partners who contributed to the training programme and acknowledged the important role played by the recruits’ families in supporting them throughout their training.
As they move into active service, the 280 graduates are expected to put their training into practice while upholding the values emphasized during the ceremony, including discipline, courage, integrity, professionalism and commitment to public service.