Three members of the San Pedro Fire Service were among 27 National Fire Service officers honored for long service at a ceremony in Belize City on October 16th. San Pedro Fire Chief Kenneth Mortis received recognition for 30 years of service, while firefighters Emmerson Michael and Erick Davis were each recognized for ten years.
The Long Service Awards Ceremony recognized officers for their dedication to protecting communities across Belize. Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher said the awards honored both the officers’ years of service and their contributions to the nation. The Public Service Ministry said experienced personnel help the National Fire Service maintain its ability to respond to emergencies nationwide.
Mortis began his career three decades ago and has served in several parts of Belize, including Benque Viejo, Orange Walk, and San Pedro. During his career, he received overseas training, including a three-month water rescue course in Japan. Upon returning to Belize, he helped establish a special rescue unit that supported other agencies, including the Belize Defense Force, Police Department, and Coast Guard.
Mortis said receiving the award after 30 years was a major milestone. “It definitely means a lot,” he said, adding that he felt privileged to be among public officers with 30 or more years of service. He said his most memorable work includes helping rescue people trapped in burning buildings and containing fires before they spread to nearby structures.
As the island continues to grow, Mortis hopes to strengthen the San Pedro Fire Service. He called for more personnel, continued training, and closer cooperation with developers during new construction. He also wants to expand fire-safety education through media campaigns and community outreach.
Firefighter Emmerson Michael said he joined the fire service after losing his home and belongings in a fire. That experience motivated him to help prevent other families from facing the same loss.
After ten years of service in San Pedro, Michael said the department’s greatest needs include additional fire hydrants around the island, more fire trucks and water tankers, and improved equipment. He said the island’s rapid development has made firefighting more challenging for the small team.
Michael hopes San Pedro will eventually have another fire station, along with more firefighters and resources. Despite the challenges, he said family support, love for the job, and a desire to help the community have kept him committed to the service.
For Mortis and Michael, the recognition also provided an opportunity to highlight the needs of the department they serve. Both hope to see more personnel and resources committed to San Pedro, along with continued training and fire-safety education, to meet the demands of the growing island.