Chief fire officer Isaac Silas has retired after serving more than 30 years in the PNG Fire Service. 16 of these years were as chief fire officer.
The Government has now appointed deputy chief fire officer, Bill Roo, as the acting chief fire officer.
Roo, from the Enga Province, has been with the Fire Service also for more than 30 years and brings with him vast experience in the various areas of emergency management.
Silas thanked the government for its support during his tenure of office.
He however, has called on the government to do more to improve the Fire Service so that it can deliver effectively on its mandated functions.
“The Fire Service is still waiting for the promised review as directed by Cabinet,” the PNG Fire Service said in a statement.
“There are now more high rise buildings, and higher risk level than the last 40 years.
“The Service needs to keep up with current development taking place in many centres of PNG. “With significant events such as APEC 2018, fire and hazard safety and emergency response capacity must be stepped up to meet these and other emerging needs of our communities.”
Silas also congratulated Roo on his acting appointment.
“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you and your families for your support and loyalty to me and this Office and the Service during my tenure as chief fire officer,” he stated.
He urged all personnel to support Roo as he discharges the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Chief Fire Officer going forward.
Silas thanked all Government agencies, both at the national and provincial level, for their continued support in the provision of fire and emergency service to the people of Papua New Guinea. He also extended his gratitude to other partners in the region for their support.
(Outgoing chief Isaac Silas, left, with acting chief fire officer Bill Roo.)