BVI’s first fire chief laid to rest

Colin Graham who served as Chief Fire Officer of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service from 1985 to1989 was laid to rest in the United Kingdom yesterday, February 6.

He was a key player in the creation of the structure of the fire department after it was separated from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in 1985.

The current chief fire officer, Zebalon McLean, has paid tribute to the late Graham.

“We are grateful for his influence that molded us, beginning in 1985, and which continues to shape and guide our organisation on the principles of discipline and service to others,” he said.

McLean continued: “It is to his hard work and his sacrifices, to his perseverance and his strong will, that we continue to represent our noble profession, to carry on from his fine example and, in each of our tenures, finish the job he so ably begun.”

As a mark of respect and appreciation, three ranks of senior and junior officers was formed, and the fire flag was lowered to half-mast on the day of Graham’s passing. The flag remains at half-mast until today, (February 8 ) – a day after the funeral.

Graham, in a message on the 25th anniversary of the fire department in October 2011, WROTE:Click here to read