WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Fire Department has launched a new instructor training program involving 11 employees, as part of its efforts to strengthen professional development, improve internal training capacity and ensure that firefighters remain adequately prepared for their demanding responsibilities.
The initiative is designed to develop qualified instructors from within the department who will eventually be able to train their colleagues, allowing the organization to expand its internal training programs while retaining valuable knowledge and expertise.
The training is being conducted under the supervision of Frits Faber and will last approximately five months, with participants attending weekly sessions.
In addition to strengthening their technical knowledge, the 11 participants will learn how to communicate their expertise and practical skills clearly and professionally. The program focuses on developing the instructional abilities necessary to effectively train other emergency responders.
The course uses materials from the emergency responder training program, known as “Hulpverlener,” covering subjects such as firefighting techniques and personal protection.
According to the Fire Department, developing its own instructors will make it possible to organize more training activities internally, preserve institutional knowledge and ensure continuity in the professional preparation of personnel.
The department also intends to organize a second training group, providing additional employees who have already registered with an opportunity to develop their instructional skills.
Participants in the current program were selected based on the operational needs of the department and their demonstrated dedication to their work.
The initiative reflects the importance of continuous professional development within emergency services, where personnel must maintain the technical knowledge, discipline and practical skills necessary to respond effectively to dangerous situations.
The Fire Department emphasized that investing in employee training is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining the quality and safety of the services provided to the Curaçao community.
By preparing experienced employees to become instructors, the organization aims to reduce its dependence on external training resources while building a sustainable system for transferring knowledge to current and future firefighters.
The Curaçao Fire Department congratulated the 11 participants on taking this important step in their professional careers and wished them success throughout the five-month training program.