The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) are proud to announce the following promotions to the rank of Sub Officer, within their respective Departments/Sections:

• Fire Safety: Leading Firefighter Dwayne Trinidad
• Training, Development & Logistical Support Department: Leading Firefighter Chisum Sanchez
• Operations: Leading Fire Fighter Wayne Cruz

Sub/O. Trinidad joined the fire and rescue service in September 2011 carrying out his Firefighter Foundation Course at the Fire Service College attaining the Silver Axe for best overall recruit. Dwayne was posted to Blue Watch on his return. He undertook all his statutory exams to the rank of Station Officer and was promoted to Leading Firefighter in 2017, were shortly after he was transferred to White Watch. In 2020, Dwayne transferred to the Fire Safety Department.

During his formative years as a Fire Safety Officer, he attended the Fire Service College for his Fire Investigation Course and Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors) with a Residential and Commercial sprinkler course done at XACT training service provider, allowing Dwayne to become a competent Fire Safety Officer.

Dwayne has actively kept the GFRS monthly reports updated through our social media platforms and is part of our social media and Well Being Team.

As a Sub Officer in the Fire Safety department Mr Trinidad will now be responsible for the inspection of premises which have under gone a building application process, leisure area licences, petroleum licences, schools, sleeping risks, fireworks, fire hazards and providing fire safety measures for new small building projects submitted through the planning and building control process as part of the GFRS ethos of Prevention, Protection and Response.

Sub/O. Sanchez joined the Fire and Rescue Service in June 2005 and following his Firefighter Foundation course at The Fire Service College, Moreton-In-Marsh, was posted to White Watch and promoted to Leading Firefighter in 2016. Throughout his career, Chisum has undertaken various career development courses, namely Incident Command Level 1, Rope Rescue Supervisor, Road Traffic Collision Instructor, Breathing Apparatus Maintenance, FREC 4, for which he is also an instructor and responsible for GFRS Radios/Communications. In 2024 Chisum transferred to then recently established Training, Development and Logistical Department, charged with maintaining training and performance standards within the Organisation.

Sub/O. Cruz joined the Fire and Rescue Service in June 2005 and following his Firefighter Foundation course at The Fire Service College, Moreton-In-Marsh, was posted to White Watch and promoted to Leading Firefighter in 2019. Wayne was later transferred to Blue Watch, and during this time undertook various courses and responsibilities, including Incident Command Level 1, Breathing Apparatus and Ladder maintenance courses and responsibilities for Physical Training Equipment and Maintenance. More recently, Wayne also attended Outreach Rescue, in Bangor, Wales, for Rope Rescue Instructor training as he embarks on the process of becoming one of three GFRS Instructors in this discipline. Additionally, Wayne is also charged with responsibilities for the Upper Rock, Fire Fighting Hydrants and Water Supplies.

Chief Fire Officer, Colin Ramirez, said: “Each in their respective area of expertise, these three experienced Fire Officers are taking on huge responsibilities and challenges, some long established and recognised, and others recently introduced, such as that of the Training, Development and Logistical Support Department. Irrespective of their specific roles, they are all crucial pieces of the GFRS puzzle and will be operating with one common goal: to make us better and more efficient in safeguarding Gibraltar and its citizens. All three officers have worked extremely hard to get to this point and there is no doubt that they will continue to excel. They should be extremely proud of themselves, and I want to take this opportunity to personally, and on behalf of the Senior Management Team and their colleagues, congratulate them on their achievements and wish them all the success going forward.” 

The Minister for the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service, the Hon Leslie Bruzon, said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sub Officers Trinidad, Sanchez, and Cruz on their well-earned achievements and appointments. Each has shown exceptional dedication, skill, and commitment in their respective fields, contributing immensely to the safety and resilience of our community. Their professionalism and tireless work exemplify the very best of the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service. As they take on new responsibilities, I am confident they will continue to serve Gibraltar with excellence and pride. On behalf of the Government and the people of Gibraltar, I thank them and wish them every success in their new roles.”