02 November 2005
New city fire chief sworn in
THE Dagupan City Fire Station (DCFS) has a new fire marshal.Chief Inspector Manuel M. Manuel assumed the post last Monday, replacing Senior Inspector Jesus Orpilla during a formal turnover ceremony at the DCFS.
Orpilla was designated chief operations officer at the Provincial Fire Marshal Office based in Mangaldan.
Manuel was chief supply officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection headquarters before his posting in Dagupan.
City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim who witnessed the station turnover expressed support to Manuel as he challenged him to perform better than his predecessor.
“A fireman’s job is not only to protect people and property from accidents but also to properly implement fire safety measures through strict and thorough inspection of establishments and residence,” Lim declared while adding the one of the common causes of fire incidents is the overloading of electrical connections.
According to the mayor, the submission of complete electrical plan and inspection is a requirement among businesses and homes in more developed countries.
Lim cited his observation during a visit to Milpitas City in California where firefighters responded to a fire call in less than one minute.
“A change in leadership means a need to strive for excellence that is why it is your responsibility to respond immediately during fire situations and do not reason out that the lack of water or lack of gasoline delays your response,” he stressed.
Lim added Dagupan City is fortunate because volunteer fire brigades have been helping regular firemen since 20 years ago.He noted that firemen do not only serve in their area of jurisdiction but are called on to respond anywhere in the Philippines.
