I am Rahei Boucher GIFireE from Success Village, Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago. I’ve been a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service for the past 18 years. My love for the fire service came through me being a member of the Fire Service Youth Club, eventually enlisting as a career firefighter at the age of 18. I spent 13 years on operational duty including 2 years as a member of the Land Search and Rescue Unit (LSAR).
Throughout my career, when not engaged in firefighting, I have always given back to my community through various youth activities. This led to the development of the Morvant Men’s Mentorship Movement (M4), a Fire Service Led community youth organisation focused on mentorship and community fire safety.
I am the assistant coordinator of the Morvant Men’s Mentorship Movement (M4). M4 is a youth mentorship program that delivers Community Fire Safety education to young persons between the ages of 12-16 years old. I am responsible for the delivery of the Community Fire Safety Level 1 and Level 2 Award.
Participants learn about the science of fire, fire risk assessment, evacuation and rescue procedures and fire extinguishers. They also learn to operate various pieces of fire service equipment, firefighting drills, knot tying, water safety awareness and basic rescue.
This community centred approach targeting youth affords us the following opportunities:
Delivering a fire safety program is the easy part. When you interact with young people daily who face a myriad of psychosocial and socioeconomic challenges, you have to be dynamic with your delivery to better prepare each individual based on their own circumstances.
The ability to share my fire engineering knowledge with young people and the community. Most young people are oblivious of fire hazards and the potential risks involved. It’s always great to see the excitement on their faces when we begin to explore the science of fire, health and safety as well as the practical drills they get to do.
It would have to be starting the M4 program. The first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago to offer a structured fire safety program for young people. Since its inception in 2019, we have engaged over 180 families within our community. To date over 150 young people have completed our Community Fire Safety Level 1 program with First Aid Certification.
My passion for the fire service, fire engineering and my appetite for learning. The IFE is the only organisation that offers continuing studies in fire engineering in Trinidad and Tobago and the levels of qualifications are also recognised for promotion within the fire service.
The President of IFE Trinidad and Tobago telling me ‘You have to join’ every time I had a chat with him! I believed in his vision for the development of the local fire engineering/ fire safety sector and succession planning. The decision also came while studying for the Level 3 Diploma. Intrinsically, I felt I had a responsibility to share the knowledge gained and to encourage others to become members. We have an opportunity and a platform to positively impact the fire engineering / fire safety sector in Trinidad and Tobago.
IFE has a vast wealth of knowledge across its various courses. The CPD hub provides you access to up-to-date sector information and standards. I’ve also had the opportunity to network with industry professionals who have influenced my career choice and contributed to my personal development. Being a member of an internationally recognised organisation of fire sector professionals empowers you to continue your personal development. You can always feel confident knowing you belong to a family with the large resource pool of experienced professionals who are always willing to share knowledge and assist where possible.
I am the Secretary of the IFE Trinidad and Tobago Branch. I am also a part of a couple Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and I most recently signed up to be a part of the CPD panel.
Most definitely. The fire engineering sector continues to develop in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. For the fire industry professional or soon to be professional, becoming a member of an internationally recognised organisation, you become a part of a global network of fire professionals that want to see you achieve your full potential. Through joining the IFE, you can attain internationally recognised qualifications and gain access to exclusive learning resources through the CPD Hub.
Get in touch with your local branch and engage with a professional/mentor who can best advise you on making the right decision. Ask questions and always be open to learning.