The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS), supported by the Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs, proudly recognised Pump Engineer (PE) Karl Richard Pascal for 35 years of distinguished service to the people of the Cayman Islands—three and a half decades dedicated to saving lives and protecting property.

The ceremony was attended by the Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, JP, MP, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, MBE, JP, Chief Officer Michael Ebanks, and senior officials, who joined CIFS leadership and colleagues in celebrating Mr. Pascal’s career and wishing him well in retirement.

Chief Officer Michael Ebanks reflected on the significance of the milestone and the character behind it. “You can learn a great deal about a person from a small window into their story. Meeting Mr. Pascal today, one thing is immediately clear: thirty-five years of service speaks volumes. It tells you about dedication, integrity, and quiet strength. It’s an extraordinary milestone—and a testament to the man behind the uniform.”

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Roy Charlton, praised Mr. Pascal’s devotion to duty. “Firefighting is more than a profession—it’s a sacred duty. It demands sacrifice, resilience, and honour.” He shared that “inn moments when others ran from danger, PE Pascal advanced toward it, embodying the highest traditions of the Fire Service.”

Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, MBE, JP, thanked Mr. Pascal for his exemplary public service, underscoring the demands firefighters shoulder. “Thank you for your 35 years of service—and not just 35 years of service, but 35 years of exemplary service. The work that firefighters do often goes unnoticed until you actually need them.” He continued, “Attending to fatal accidents and house fires—those thing sare traumatic. We do that because it is our job and our responsibility. But I want you to know, and I want
your colleagues to know, that we do not take those things for granted, and your Minister and Chief Officer advocate for this Department every day.” The Deputy Governor added that “it is so very important that we support our uniformed services not just with our words, but in ways they can understand and appreciate. This is a team effort to ensure that the Cayman Islands Fire Service performs at a world- class level—and you, sir, have done so for 35 years. On behalf of the Cayman Islands Government, thank you for your exemplary service and your dedication and commitment to making the Cayman
Islands a safe place. You have saved lives, you have made people’s lives better—and for that, we thank you.”

The Ministry and CIFS extend their gratitude and respect to Mr. Pascal for his courage, steadfast commitment, and exemplary public service, and wish him a healthy, fulfilling retirement in this next chapter.

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About the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs (MDAHA):

Under the leadership of the Honourable Nickolas DaCosta, JP, MP, the enduring vision of the MDAHA is to build a safer community for our residents and visitors alike. To accomplish this vision, our mission is to empower our community through innovative, evidence-based, and intelligence-driven solutions in public safety.

The MDAHA is responsible for furthering the resiliency of the Cayman Islands, through continued strategic and operational advancement in the areas of district administration, national security, emergency response services, public safety, offender management services, border control, and postal services.

About the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS):

The Fire Prevention Unit delivers inspections, code compliance, and investigations, while community outreach promotes fire and life safety. CIFS firefighters complete rigorous training—including a comprehensive Trainee Firefighter course spanning domestic and aeronautical disciplines—ensuring a professional, coordinated response from strategically located stations.