2 FIREMEN RECOGNIZED FOR LONG SERVICE
PORT ANTONIO, Portland; Oct. 24, 2024
Two firemen were honoured Monday morning at the Heroes Day parade in Port Antonio as they were recognised for their long service. Several uniformed groups and cultural items added flavour to the parade under clear skies and a persistent sun.
District Officer Roydel Weir and Sergeant Phlymore Duckett were presented with medals by Audley Lindo JP who represented Lincoln Thaxter Custos of Portland. Portland does not normally honour or recognize locals, as happens in many other parishes, in its Heroes Day Ceremony.
(Superintendent Windel Patterson centre, stands between two firemen honoured, District Officer Roydel Weir, left, and Sergeant Phlymore Duckett)
In making the announcement, Superintendent Windell Patterson said the firemen “served with distinction over the years and have risked their lives on many occasions in their line of duty as they are our hero”.
(Donica Dennis-Chambers put it all out there)
District Officer Roydel Weir was happy about the recognition. “I am feeling good as I have served over the years and am being recognised for long and dedicated service.”
For his part, Sergeant Phlymore Duckett said: “I think the award is well deserved for my long and dedicated service as I feel appreciated”.
Both have served the brigade for twenty-two years in Portland.
(Liberty Learning Centre Buff Bay drummers, from left Roscoe Reid, Jordan Johnson and Shavaur Service do a tribute to ‘Our Heroes’)
Cultural items were done earlier by Donica Dennis-Chambers, third place winner in the Jamaica Gospel Star Competition 2024 as she sang “Believe For It”.
(Inspector Penndexter Robinson, Audley Lindo JP and Major Anthony Simpson inspect uniformed groups on parade).
Miss Portland 2024 Tamesha Wilson was accompanied by Duvere Forde, on the saxophone, with “The Prayer”.
Drummers from Liberty Learning Centre Buff Bay did “A Tribute to our Heroes” — an original piece.
Various officials placed floral tributes next to the photographs of the National Heroes at the clock in the town square.
