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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, inspected the 174th Fire Services passing-out parade comprising 13 senior firemen of the Mobilising and Communications Group, 62 firemen and 48 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) today (April 29).
Speaking at the parade, Mrs Lam said the passing-out parade is the first one to be conducted since the commissioning of the Academy in January this year, and therefore has a special meaning for all the graduates. The trainees, who have completed 26 weeks of training, had the opportunity to receive foundation training at both the new and the old campuses, enabling them to witness a historical moment in the history of the Fire Services Department (FSD)'s training development. She said she strongly believes that the graduates will fully utilise the professional knowledge and skills they have learnt and fufil the FSD's mission to serve the community and provide emergency services of high quality and efficiency to members of the public.
The Academy covers an area of 158 000 square metres, and provides 526 residential training places. The Academy provides simulated training for various scenarios including railways, tunnels, ships, aircraft, a court and fuel tankers as well as facilities for high-angle rescue, urban search and rescue, compartment fire behaviour training facility and accident and emergency situations. The well-equipped facilities and comprehensive training greatly enhance the firefighting and rescue techniques, professional knowledge and capabilities of fire and ambulance personnel in handling large-scale incidents.
Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong is a safe metropolis, thanks to the law-abiding citizens and the conscientious law enforcement departments. Members of the public has always "appreciated" the fire and ambulance personnel who work dutifully and face challenges and calamities without fear.
To co-ordinate with the territory-wide public participation "Appreciate Hong Kong" Campaign, the FSD received visitors arranged by welfare organisations on April 9 and organised an Open Day for the public on April 10 at the FASA. The public's understanding of the work of the fire and ambulance personnel was enhanced, as was their understanding of the Government's determination to create a safe environment for Hong Kong people. The acitivity has overwhelming response, over 16 200 people in total visited the Academy on those two days. Although "Appreciate Hong Kong" Campaign will end by the end of April, the FSD will organise another Open Day on May 8, enabling more people to visit the FASA and its facilities.
The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 13 senior firemen, who completed 12 weeks of training, have started working at the Fire Services Communications Centre. The remaining 110 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots for on-the-job training to gain field experience.
In addition, Mrs Lam officiated at the opening ceremony of the "Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum" of the Academy. The Education Centre provides various interactive and multi-media information facilities where visitors can learn about fire prevention, evacuation and first-aid treatment, as well as gaining firefighting knowledge. The Museum also displays the FSD's precious historical photographs, equipment and vehicles to allow the public to learn more about the history of the FSD.
Ends/Friday, April 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 22:15
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