CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) â€“ The Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) is pleased to confirm and congratulate 15 of their 21 probationary firefighters have gained a Level 2 Certificate in fire science, operations and safety from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

            The three-hour exam conducted in October 2020 included 120 questions spanning the technical elements of fire and rescue. Fire officers received their exam results this month.

            “I extend my congratulations to Cayman Islands Fire Service’s’ newest members who successfully achieved this internationally-recognised qualification in their specialist field. These officers are amongst the first to do so in the Cayman Islands. This qualification marks one of the early steps on their journey of professional development with the fire service. I look forward to hearing of their future progress and seeing others benefitting from IFE membership as well,” said the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Tara Rivers.

            Chief Fire Officer, Paul Walker QFSM said “This is amazing news and I offer my congratulations to all 15 CIFS colleagues that were successful on this occasion. I encourage you all to continue your professional studies and go on to attain IFE Level 3 Certificates.”

            “I am very proud that 23 colleagues sat the most recent Level 2 Certificate Examination in March 2021 and we all eagerly await the results later this year. As a team, we hope to continue this trend, increasing the number of participants as well as the level of qualifications being achieved through the tiered examination programme with the IFE.”

As part of its ongoing professionalisation journey, in 2020 CIFS became corporate members of the IFE, an international body that examines the knowledge and professional experience of fire and rescue personnel globally.

            The IFE provides an internationally recognised fire engineering professional framework and membership grades are awarded from student to fellow level.                    

            CIFS has ambitions to establish a local IFE branch in the Cayman Islands with a view to encouraging industry partners such as architects, structural engineers, fire risk assessors or general engineers to join as members.

            All IFE members have the opportunity to gain further professional qualifications and, subject to previous experience and accredited prior learning, can seek Registered Chartered Engineer status through the institution.

            Anyone from industry partner companies or agencies that are interested in supporting CIFS efforts to establish an IFE branch can call the George Town Fire Station on 949-2499.