Barbados Fire Service Honors Pioneering Women for Dedicated Service at Ceremony

Three of the first set of women to join the Barbados Fire Service were honoured for their service during a ceremony held at the Barbados Postal Service.

Ena Gittens and Juanita Greaves who in 1979 joined the first cohort of women to become firefighters, and Hermina Barrow who joined the second cohort of women in 1986 were recognised for their contributions before an audience of former colleagues.

The ceremony also marked the promotion of Angela Reveira who made history by becoming the first female officer to reach a senior management position in 45 years since women were first enlisted in the service in 1979.

Gittens, a retired Leading Fire Officer joined the first group of women to join the service in 1979. As an active member of the Barbados Association of Retired Fire Officers (BARFO), she dedicated her time to looking after the welfare of other retired officers.

Juanita Greaves, who also joined in 1979 was credited for her impact in developing the Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Unit. Meanwhile Hermina Barrow, who joined the second group of women in the service in 1986 was the only woman to serve the department past 60 years of age, retiring last year as an Acting Sub Officer.