Civil Defence launches training facility for young firefighters

Dubai: In a bid to support retired firefighters and tap from their vast experiences, the Dubai Civil Defence has launched the "Generations" project which turns retired personnel into lecturers and trainers imparting their experiences to younger personnel in civil defence.

Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, director of the Dubai Civil Defence, launched the project during a ceremony to announce the organisation's strategic plan for the year 2009 to 2015.

He said the project aims at avail expertise from experienced personnel who spent 20 or more years in the service of the Dubai Civil Defence.

"Experience in our job, as firefighters and rescuers, is a key factor. Through this project, we will ensure that the experiences of firefighters and personnel who spent 20 or more years in civil defence service will be conveyed to the younger generations coming into civil defence," Major General Al Matroushi said.

He said there are currently six retired personnel who will be hired as lecturers to teach and train the younger personnel. They will be issued with personal cards, treated as university lecturers and get paid.

Strategic plans

Major General Al Matroushi said the Civil Defence's strategic plans had been updated after studying the previous year's strategic plan and considering its compatibility with the specific targets, and the need to develop an updated plan that complied with the strategic objectives of the Federal Government and the Government of Dubai.

He said the main goals and objectives would be achieved according to effectual timetables and specific functional projects and operational plans.

Major General Al Matroushi stressed the importance of upgrading skills and competencies of personnel in the department.

He said the implementation of the "safety first" project over the past three months had helped in reducing fires in Dubai by 80 per cent.

Strategy for safety of residents

• Implementing the best practices and the latest technologies to provide excellent rescue and fire fighting services.
• Cooperation, support and distinguished performance in responding to crisis and disasters.
• Ensuring Preventive Safety against fire hazards and disasters.
• Spreading Safety and preventive awareness culture across the society.
• Development of Dubai Civil Defence's Human Resources.
• Establishment of institutional excellence.