The Fire and Rescue Services of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) today, witnessed the official hand over of three fire trucks donated by the New South Wales Fire and Rescue Service of Australia.
The Commissioner of the Fire and Rescue Services, New South Wales, Paul Baxter officially handed over the trucks to the Solomon Islands Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Moses Garu during a ceremony at the RSIPF Central Fire Station in Honiara.
Speaking at the ceremony, RSIPF Commissioner Varley says, “We are grateful for the partnership between the Fire and Rescue New South Wales and the RSIPF Fire and Rescue Services and we look forward to furthering this in the future.”
Mr Varley says, “On behalf of the RSIPF, men and women of the Fire & Rescue Services, I would like to thank Commissioner Paul Baxter and the government of New South Wales for contributing in such a significant way. I would like to acknowledge our colleagues at the Solomon Islands Police Development Program and Australian High Commission for the support in bringing the fire trucks to Honiara.”
The Commissioner Fire and Rescue New South Wales Mr Baxter says, “The relationship that exists between the Fire and Rescue Services of New South Wales and Solomon Islands is also part of what is known as part of Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council of which I am the chair of the board.”
Mr Baxter adds: “The relationship between the Pacific Island nations is something that will go on as long as Solomon Islands needs it. Fire and Rescue New South Wales will remain committed to that and we will continue to have that relationship to assist Solomon Islands.”
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon Garu says, “On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely acknowledge and thank Australia for the bilateral arrangements under which the RSIPF Fire and Rescue Services is being boosted through various mentoring capacity building activities by the Fire and Rescue New South Wales.”
Members of the RSIPF Fire and Rescue Services conducted a demonstration using the three fire trucks at the end of the official handover ceremony.