Firefighters from the state of New Jersey recently completed a week of hands-on training with the Fire Department of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), sharing lifesaving techniques and strengthening emergency response capabilities.
This annual partnership, ongoing since 2018, has become an important part of Grenada’s emergency preparedness efforts.
The New Jersey firefighters’ support extends beyond training. Over the years, they have donated essential equipment, including a fire engine, helping strengthen Grenada’s firefighting capacity. Their expertise has proved vital in controlling fires across the island, directly benefitting St George’s University, the Maurice Bishop International Airport, and other important locations. The US connection with Grenadian firefighters and the RGPF continues to grow stronger each year.
Superintendent Kenneth Gill, Officer in charge of the Fire Department of the RGPF, expressed his gratitude, stating, “You cannot overemphasise the importance of training and learning new things, and those who are trained now have the opportunity to come back and impart to others. This continuous training is greatly appreciated; it is very important to learn new skills for emergencies and general operations.”
Mike Nasta, retired Deputy Chief from Newark, New Jersey, praised the dedication of his Grenadian counterparts: “Grenadian firefighters are very easy to work with, very smart, and very passionate about what they do. I am honoured to come to Grenada and work with them.”
The New Jersey firefighters look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting Grenada’s firefighters as they work every day to protect lives and property across the country.
US Embassy, Grenada
