National Fire Service gets 21 new recruits
Firefighting is a job normally reserved for men, but News Five’s Jose Sanchez found out today that at least one woman in Belize City, is blazing trails in this dangerous occupation. Brianna Milligan, who comes from a military family, was one of the new recruits of the Fire Department.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
The Belize National Fire Service held a passing out ceremony for twenty-one recruits that have successfully completed training and induction into the fire service. The award for Leadership qualities and first place went to Allex Heredia of Corozal.
Allex Heredia, Recruit, National Fire Service
“You have discipline that comes with it. Discipline, meaning know the leadership qualities, you look at how well you dress and responsibility. Different things they look at. About three years back I started as a volunteer. They needed volunteers that they have annually and I started as just a volunteer. I started getting into this firefighting, the adrenaline rush, the excitement going to a fire; different little things and so forth. As years went by, this opportunity came up and I was offered this opportunity and I took it up right.”
Second place went to Teodore Chen of Toledo.
Teodore Chen, Recruit, National Fire Service
“I had to study throughout the night. I come back in the morning, have to go on PT, whole day training. Basically, it was studying. I had to study. I had to just study like sometimes I start from training straight into the books. I have seen a lot of people homes get destroyed and at times I’m around and I look at it and sometimes I would like to be involved, but I do not have the experience. So I decide my mind to come and join this firefighting department to help people. I made up my mind for this three months of very serious training and I feel that I can do something and show an example and probably I can also help in the future.”
The fire service has been customarily a job for men. But one woman, twenty-seven year old Brianna Milligan, is changing that image.
Brianna Milligan, recruit, National Fire Service
“All my family deh inna B.D.F. and I mi start something weh dehn noh do so I decide fi join di fire department.”
Jose Sanchez
“But there aren’t female firefighters. Do you think it would have been a challenge coming here and joining the men?”
Brianna Milligan
“Mhmm, dah mi wah challenge.”
Jose Sanchez
“What was your experience like being the only female out of the twenty-one?”
Brianna Milligan
“Ih feel weird sometimes cause when dah tie fi changing I have to go separate from dehn fi go change and dehn thing deh.”
Jose Sanchez
“Other than that, when it came to the training, you completed it didn’t you?”
Brianna Milligan
“Yeah, I completed it. I completed the six mile run, the hose the ladder, everything.”
Jose Sanchez
“And for other young women who may some day desire to be a firefighter, what advice do you have to give to them?”
Brianna Milligan
“I just tell dehn fi just come and give it a try cause if I do it dehn could do it too.”
Homeowners will be glad to know that there are twenty-one more persons ready to save the day. Reporting fro News Five, Jose Sanchez.
