AROB back in firefighting
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is back in the firefighting trade after more than 20 years of absence in the region.
On the eve of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, today marks a milestone in the PNG Fire Services as 12 recruit fire fighters from AROB passed out as qualified fire fighters alongside their comrades from 6 other provinces.
Since the Bougainville crises which ended in 1998, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville has never engaged in the PNG Fire service.
This year, AROB made a breakthrough when 12 locals (8-males and 4-females) enlisted for the 2024 recruitment drive.
Bougainvillians had big smiles when the recruits passed out in Port Moresby alongside 49 other recruits.
According to Rachel Soli, a recruit from Buka Fire Station, this is a big feat for the Autonomous Bougainville Government as it prepares to gain independence.
Rachael says being pioneer firefighters from Bouigainville, they have a huge responsibility ahead of them.
”I would like to take this time to thank our government, ABG and also PNG Fire Service for this initiative in partnering to establish a fire station in Buka, especially paving our pathway to independence, this is a milestone for us Bougainvilleans.
It will also boost our economy in the future.
As our motto says, in John 15:13, the greatest love for our friends is to give our life for them. So, Bougainville, be assured now that you are in safe hands.”
Soli also encouraged other Bougainvillan women and girls to join the PNG Fire service regardless of it being viewed as a male dominated role.
“As one of four pioneer females, I'm sure firefighting isn't for everybody. We all know, firefighting is a male-dominated and as a pioneer woman and a mother also, this is truly an inspiration.”
We are the pioneers now, pioneering in everything, so I encourage our women back at Bougainville to apply. It's not about males only, what men can do, women can do too.”
Chief Fire Officer, Bill Roo commended the pioneer Bougainvillians for breaking the ice.
The recruits were encouraged to uphold the values that are defined in the organizational charter and remain vigilant, humble and committed to their profession.
“When you embark on this noble profession, you will face challenges.
As an experienced firefighter having served the organization for over 40-years, I know that you will be required to put to practice what you learned during your eight-weeks at the training college. It will be quite tough but do not isolate yourselves, work closely with the experienced staff and learn from them.”
Mr. Roo reiterated the organizational Motto, taken from the Bible verse (John 15:13) as a reminder of the oath they took to serve the people of this nation.
” The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them.”
Meantime, he cohort who passed out today are batch 3 of the 2024-2025 recruitment drive.
Among the 61-recruits, seven were brave women.
They will serve in fire stations in seven provinces excluding NCD.