Happy International Firefighters’ Day

May fourth has been recognized annually as International Firefighters’ Day since 1999. It was established following the death of five firefighters in a bushfire in Australia and the day is being observed to honor service to the community.  Today, Dotbox Donuts recognized firemen in Belize City by treating them to a selection of their sweet treats. It’s a timely acknowledgement for the department, which has for several weeks been on the ground battling bushfires and structural fires. Station Supervisor Kenneth Mortis tells us more.

Kenneth Mortis

Kenneth Mortis, Station Supervisor, National Fire Service

“It’s appalling that it is recognised on our level on a week or a month or weeks that have been filled with fire and fire fighting activities. Truth be told, most of my guys had no knowledge that there was a day set for them and it’s a feeling of wow that we have our day. We’ve always had a police day, nurses week, B.D.F. week, but when we heard that there is an International Firefighters’ Day on the fourth of May which is today, we couldn’t do anything but gave ourselves a pat on our shoulder, regardless of all the negative comments or the backlashes that we have experienced over the years. Today, we were blessed with appreciation by the Dotbox Donuts Shop with a little sweet tooth for all the operational fire-fighters in Belize City today. My guys were like wow, what did we do to deserve this? And Miss Giselle Conorquie, the co-manager of this Dotbox, she took the initiative, she spoke with her team and decided let us recognise the firemen for this day.”

There are thirty operational firefighters in Belize City, including full-time firemen, volunteers and mechanics. Countrywide, there are one hundred and sixty-five firemen, exclusive of volunteers.