It was a momentous occasion for the Saint Lucia Fire Service on Friday, Oct. 20, when the organization commissioned a new fire truck to service the Hewanorra International Airport.

The fire truck brings to three the number of specialized vehicles stationed at the Category 9 Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort.

The Rosenbaur Austria CA5 Panther 6X6 fire truck was procured at the cost of EC$2.4 million. Also commissioned on Friday was a command vehicle, a donation to the Government of Saint Lucia by the Japan International Co-operation System (JICS) on June 2.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Mr. Joseph Joseph, expressed gratitude to the government and people of Japan for the donation. He said its use will be strategic to the work of emergency responders, particularly in times of natural disasters or mass casualty incidents.

The police, as well as the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) are expected to utilize the vehicle, which is designed and outfitted to function as a mobile office. The command vehicle will be headquartered on the premises of the Saint Lucia Fire Service, on Manoel Street, Castries.

During the event, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Sen. Hon. Hermangild Francis, acknowledged the role of the former government in ensuring that the Saint Lucia Fire Service acquired the vehicles. The procurement period straddled both the past and present administrations.