Fire Officer Vera Wilkinson’s dedication to the Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has not been forgotten.
The 15-year veteran was among over 80 fire officers who received the Services Medal of Honour during a ceremony at the Arch Hall Fire Station on Friday. But, unlike her colleagues, Ms. Wilkinson was unable to attend the ceremony due to a prolonged illness.
However, in keeping with the mantra “leave no one behind”, the high command of the BFS journeyed to Bourne’s Land, St. George, where Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, pinned the medal on Ms. Wilkinson.
“I love my job… and there is a bitter sweet feeling when I see the guys and the fire trucks,” she admitted.
Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard, said Ms. Wilkinson was still a member of the BFS, and described her as a “conscientious worker”, who won the Chief Fire Officer’s Award of Dedication. He added that she was an officer who always “gave 100 per cent”.
“When I recognised she could not make it to the ceremony, I asked the Minister to present the award to her at home and he agreed,” the Fire Chief explained.
Minister Abrahams also commended the Fire Officer for her “unwavering commitment to the job” and her longstanding service.