been certain other minor organizational changes. The organization of the Department is shown in line chart form in Appendix I.
SEARCH AND RESCUE DIVISIONS
14. A vital addition was made to Fire Commands in the latter part of the year, namely the establishment either side of the harbour of 'Search and Rescue Divisions'. From the Commanding Officers down to the lowest rank, personnel for these Divisions have been selected for their exceptionally high standard of physical fitness, courage, initiative and endurance. The work of each Division embraces search and rescue in 'tall blocks', rescues at landslides and house collapses and all other occurrences where lives are imperilled. In some respects these Divisions are the 'Corps Elite' of the Service.
AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT
15. Fire Service personnel at the Airport continue to play a vital role in public safety. During the year under review they dealt with 82 incidents with the speed and efficiency which all of us have now come to accept as synonymous with this important Division of the Service.
FIRE SERVICE AUXILIARIES
16. The Auxiliaries have performed splendidly during the year; their service during the many typhoons was outstanding, as was their work at a major tactical exercise at the Shell Installation, Kwun Tong on 28th February 1965.
17. The Auxiliaries Band, in addition to its official functions, brought great pleasure to thousands of people at concerts given in the public parks and playgrounds. This Band is unique in that it is the only one of its kind in existence that is maintained without charge to the taxpayer.
MAJOR PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE FIRE SERVICE 18. It has become virtually impossible to make direct entry appoint- ments into the following grades:
(1) Fire Officers Cl. III (trainee officers)
(2) Firemen (heavy vehicle drivers)
(3) Ambulance Supervisors
(4) Bilingual staff for Fire and Ambulance Controls and Station Watchrooms.
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