{As part of the ongoing measures to minimize tragedies that may be caused by fire, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has a commenced a two-day firefighting Training of Trainer (ToT) exercise for 50 Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) staff.}
The training held at the Central Prison in Nyarugenge District is conducted by the RNP Fire and Rescue brigade. Trainees, who include prison directors, were drawn from 14 correctional facilities across the country.
While presiding over the official start of the exercise, RCS Commissioner General, George Rwigamba commended the existing partnership and transfer of skills and knowledge between institutions.
He commended the RNP initiative to extend the fire safety techniques to RCS staff in awake of likely disasters that can be caused by fire outbreak, even in correctional facilities.
The Commissioner General asked participants to fully utilize the opportunity and transfer all skills acquired to their colleagues, as well as sensitize prisoners to be cautious and more alert to causes of fire outbreak and ways to extinguish it in case it breaks out.
The theory and practical training equipped the RCS officers with knowledge and skills on proper handling and understanding of fire related incidents.
The Central Prison in December last year, experienced a fire outbreak, and the RCS chief said such skills will help them to use the available means and resources to extinguish the fire in case it breaks out, before it escalates.
The Commanding Officer of the Fire and Rescue Brigade in RNP, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jean Batiste Seminega, said the officers will be equipped with the necessary skills to detect, prevent and control fire incidents.
“We will equip them with all aspects related to fire chemistry, such as methods of extinction and how to use varied gadgets to put out the fire,” said ACP Seminega.
He said fire eruptions have been significantly reduced due to constant awareness initiatives but warned against laxity noting that “consequences are often fatal.”
Leave a Reply