In recognition of Dubai Civil Defence’s commitment to Excellence and Innovation, Chief Fire Officer David Etheridge, President of the British Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) and Chief Fire Officer of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, UK, recently awarded His Excellency Major General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defence, the International Excellence and Innovation Medal at a ceremony in Dubai. Senior officers from Dubai Civil Defence and other UK officers were in attendance.
Major General Expert Al Matrooshi is the first Fire Chief outside the UK to receive this Medal which was awarded for the Major General’s strategic vision to upgrade fire services and his distinguished management role at emergency incidents, including the serious Address Hotel fire on New Years Eve 2015.
In addressing the presentation ceremony, CFO Etheridge expressed the appreciation of CFOA and UK Fire and Rescue Services, supported by the UK Ministry of International Cooperation, for Dubai Civil Defence showing commitment towards high excellence and innovation standards and applications in the fields of fire suppression, rescue, accident management and implementation of latest technology for Civil Defence personnel.
CFO Etheridge said that CFOA and the UK Fire and Rescue Services will work tirelessly to enhance their cooperation and coordination with Dubai Civil Defence, to embed the concepts and application of excellence in Fire and Rescue teams performance in Dubai, and share an exchange of information and expertise and sustained programme of joint work with other countries for the mutual benefit of all sides.
Major General Expert Al Matrooshi’s response
Following presentation of the award, Major General Expert Al Matrooshi responded by saying that the Department of Dubai Civil Defence is always keen and committed to participate in all conferences and forums focusing on innovations, whether relating to services, operations, policies, systems or technologies.
The Major General continued: “I truly believe that innovations will no doubt have a genuine impact on the improvement of the work of the fire and rescue profession. Since this profession is highly dedicated to protect lives and properties, it requires sustainable and fast response to all demands made upon it, particularly in today’s world that changes rapidly across all walks of life.”
“We are endeavouring to reshape the future through implementing the sophisticated Nano technology in fire suppression, the minimisation of its effects and mitigation of losses of life and properties, by seeking to change fire and rescue concepts and applications.”
“And as part of our efforts for succeeding the vision, here in Dubai we have launched the Global Fire Safety Innovation Award to form a smart platform to receive all innovations from local and international fire experts, university students, and global fire safety concerned entities. The Award aims to enhance the spirit of innovation, translating researches and scientific concepts into applicable projects, and assimilates local and international expertise and knowledge encouraged by the UAE.”
Major General Expert Al Matrooshi concluded his address by stating that from this platform, we are inviting all of you and the other members of your Association, and all those who are concerned with fire and rescue sciences and applications to participate in this Fire Safety Innovative Award, and wish success to the UK Forum in Dubai.
Other awards
Major General Expert Al Matrooshi and CFO Etheridge then awarded Washington Hall Fire Training College graduates their Fire Diploma certificates and other appreciation decorations, being the first group of Fire Officers from the Gulf region to receive these awards.
Mr. Steve Hamm, Chairman of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) announced that Dubai Civil Defence and its Officers were being awarded Associate Membership of the IFE. He also awarded the Fellowship of the IFE to Colonel Rashid Al Buflaseh, Assistant Director General for Dubai Civil Defence’s role played in the transfer and exchange expertise with other Civil Defence Authorities.
Mr. Hamm then announced the opening of the IFE main branch for the Middle East and Gulf region, to be based in Dubai.
This was followed by a brief introduction of the IFE’s role and its professional commitment towards Dubai Civil Defence, presented by Mr. Ian Moore, CEO of the UK Fire Industry Association (FIA).
Finally a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai Civil Defence and the UK Chief Fire Officers Association was signed by Major General Expert Al Matrooshi and CFO Etheridge, which addresses technological changes, fire and rescue profession needs and methodologies, future reshaping, meeting innovation and environmental needs. Mr. John Bonney, Chairman of UK National Resilience, who also represents NFPA in UK, was present during the signing ceremony.
The Dubai Civil Defence Fire Safety Innovation Award
The entries for this new award announced by Major General Expert Rashid Matrooshi will begin to be evaluated on 8 January 2017. The award’s technical committee will invite entries and determine the winning innovations so that results can be announced and prizes distributed during World Civil Defence Day on 1 March 2017. There will be five main categories for the best innovation for:
- Fire life protection
- Property protection
- Fire engineering and equipment
- The enhancement of firefighter competency
- Fire Safety public awareness
The three main criteria will be project design and development, project implementation, and project impacts and results.
Winners will receive cash prizes and have the opportunity of turning their ideas into reality and presenting their projects at international forums and conferences. Applications should be made to: www.uaefsiaward.com
For more information, go to www.dcd.gov.ae
About the Author
Neil Wallington is a former British Chief Fire Officer, a Past International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers, and a holder of the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. He is the author of 17 books on the work of the fire service, and acts as a consultant with extensive experience in the Gulf on a range of projects.
