Elinciya Witman
Gweru firefighters recently enhanced their rescue skills, with 28 trainees completing a hands-on training session led by Operation Florian in partnership with the city council.
This training is part of a broader initiative to improve fire safety and emergency response in Zimbabwe.
Operation Florian, a UK-based firefighting charity, has been collaborating with local authorities to provide training and equipment, including fire engines and rescue gear.
The Mayor of Gweru City, Martin Chivhoko, expressed his joy, stating that a city’s significance is measured by its security.
“It fills my heart with immense pride to stand before you today as we witness the graduation of our newest firefighters. These brave men and women have completed their training and are now ready to protect the great city of Gweru. I have always believed that the true measure of a city is not in its buildings, but in the safety and well-being of its people.
Today, we have taken another significant step towards ensuring safety.”
He also expressed gratitude for the partnership with Operation Florian.
“I’m particularly pleased that this training was made possible through our collaboration with Operation Florian. This international partnership demonstrates that Gweru is open to learning, growth, and is committed to global best practices. To our visitors from the UK, thank you for sharing your expertise with us. You have left an indelible mark on our city.”
Speaking at the event, Phillip Summers from Operation Florian emphasized that their organization aims to empower firefighters to respond effectively, noting that equipment alone cannot fulfill their mission.
“Operation Florian is focused on strengthening your capacity to respond to a wide range of incidents and serve your communities better. However, equipment alone is not enough. It is the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of firefighters that truly make the difference.”
Chief Firefighter Felix Muguti voiced the long-standing hope for this collaborative project and expressed his gratitude.
“It has been a long time since we wished for this partnership to come to the city of Gweru, the City of Progress. Now that it has finally been launched, we are filled with gratitude.
Previously, only two personnel could attend training, but now, through the initiative of our town club director, all fire intelligence personnel have been equipped with knowledge in fire rescue and emergency operations. Twenty-eight firefighters were trained, including seven women. All firefighters are now knowledgeable in Road Traffic Collision (RTC) response.”
The completion of this training marks a significant milestone for Gweru’s firefighting and emergency response capabilities.
21 men and 7 women equipped with advanced skills in fire rescue and Road Traffic Collision response, the city is now better prepared to protect its residents and infrastructure.
The partnership with Operation Florian not only brought world-class expertise to Gweru but also resulted in the donation of fire engines, rescue gear, protective suits, and other essential firefighting tools.
This initiative sets a strong precedent for future training programs, ensuring that the city remains resilient, responsive, and ready to face emergencies with professionalism and courage.
