Chief Fire Officer retires after 39 years

Minister of National Security, Jack Warner, centre, welcomes the new Chief Fire Officer, Naya Rampersad, right, while the outgoing Fire Chief Carl Williams, is at left.

Chief Fire Officer Carl Williams goes on pre-retirement leave on Wednesday, ending an active career in the Fire Service spanning 39 years.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Naya Rampersad, who has 35 years’ service, will take over as Chief Fire Officer.

A farewell luncheon was held Monday by Jack Warner, Minister of National Security, and Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Boucaud-Blake, at the House of Chan Restaurant, St Augustine.

Warner thanked Williams for his sterling contribution to the Fire Service, pointing out that the Chief Fire Officer rose through the ranks. He added that the incoming Fire Chief also rose through the ranks.

Warner has has promised to address the problems affecting the Fire Service. He said this would be done as soon as he address problems affecting the Defence Force and Police Service.

In his response, Williams said he was leaving the Fire Service in good hands. He expressed satisfaction with his 39 years, saying that the highlight of his career was investigating fires in Japan, where he had gone to improve his skills. 

Farewell speeches were also delivered by Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Kenrick Maharaj; acting Commissioner of Police, Stephen Williams; Comptroller of Customs and Excise, Fitzroy John; Dr Stephen Ramroop, Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), and Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Boucaud-Blake.