BSB named Best Fire Station at firefighters' golden jubilee

OF THE 17 fire stations in the country, Bandar Seri Begawan Fire Station was named the best in the country last night at the Brunei Fire and Rescue Department (BFRD) appreciation night held to recognise the efforts of its personnel and their achievements since the department was established 50 years ago.

Assessed in several criteria, including technical capabilities, BSB Fire Station pipped second-placed Tutong Fire Station and Beribi Fire Station, which came third.

On hand to present the award was Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof. The announcement was made at Royal Berkshire Hall, Jerudong Park Polo Club, where BFRD personnel gathered to celebrate the efforts of former department directors and retired personnel as well as to award honours to exemplary staff.

Speaking at the festivities, BFRD Director Yahya Hj Abdul Rahman, offered his gratitude and appreciation to the firefighters and encouraged them to reach "greater heights". He said the department would not have been able to achieve the 50-year milestone without the efforts of the officers and staff. "For those receiving awards tonight, I congratulate and thank you for your efforts," said the Director.

He also urged those who did not receive an award to try and emulate the success of their contemporaries.

Also attending the event were permanent secretaries and senior officers at the Ministry of Home Affairs, which the BFRD operates under.

The BFRD started as the Fire Service in 1960 and celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 9, kicking off a host of activities to mark its golden jubilee.

While celebrations to mark the milestone began on March 9 with a grand parade, last night served as the end of the department's celebrations.

The Brunei Times