Response time from George to Riversdale has also been cut with the opening of a substation in Riversdale and satellite stations in Stilbaai, Heidelberg and Albertinia.
Fifteen students who have completed the Fire Fighter One Course at the Eden Fire Academy in Mossel Bay will be placed at the new satellite stations.
The course was offered by the Eden District Municipality on behalf of the Hessequa Municipality (Riversdale).
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the academy, acting fire chief Pieter Opperman said that a total of 26 students completed the course which was presented for the third time. The gruelling three-month training is aimed at building the fire fighting capacity of the Eden region.
Students were subjected to a wide range of sessions to develop their fire fighting skills. These included using breathing apparatus, executing basic first aid and training in the handling of hazardous material incidents. The programme furthermore focuses on developing team work, discipline and demonstrating to students the value of hard work and commitment. Rural Metro (Fire Fly) presented the course.
Family and friends were invited to the passing-out parade where the students displayed their competency in skills and techniques learned during the course. Opperman said the Eden Municipality has more peace of mind now that its existing team of highly experienced fire fighters and rescue workers has been expanded, especially in light of the Soccer World Cup having finally arrived.
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The passing-out parade was a proud moment for the 28 students.
