ENG-1978 — Page 193

PUBLIC ORDER

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taken out. Among the major appliances commissioned were seven 37-metre and 50- metre turntable ladders, 10 pumping appliances, six light rescue units, five lighting tenders and 20 ambulances. Orders have been placed for two further 37-metre turntable ladders which should arrive in late 1979.

To maintain the fleet of appliances and other equipment, the department operates three mechanical workshops. They are responsible for repairing, fitting and installing additional equipment or carrying out essential modifications on appliances pertinent to local factors.

Training

The Fire Services Training School situated at Pat Heung, in the New Territories, has a staff of 87 including 15 instructors.

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Operational firemen recruits undergo 26 weeks' training which includes more than 1,000 practical periods, lectures and visits. The range of instruction for officers and firemen is wide, covering 48 and 42 subjects respectively. Initial training of senior ambulancemen lasts 12 weeks, while initial training of ambulancemen takes eight weeks.

The school operated at full capacity during the year. A total of 417 men success- fully completed training of whom 20 were officers, 228 firemen and 169 senior ambulancemen and ambulancemen. At the end of the year, 114 recruits of all ranks were still under training at the school. Refresher training courses, including physical fitness assessments, are organised every year for all personnel of the rank of station officer and below.

The school also conducts basic fire-fighting and fire protection courses for employees of other government departments and of private companies in Hong Kong. Some 1,815 people attended these courses in 1978.

Establishment and Recruitment

The establishment of the Fire Services Department at the end of 1978 totalled 5,066 all ranks - an increase of 434 over 1977.

The number of civilian staff employed by the department increased by 27 to 402. During the year, the services of 10 officers and 133 men were lost through death, dis- missal, retirement and resignation. A number of recruitment exercises held throughout the year resulted in the appointment of 16 officers and 516 firemen and ambulancemen. Standards are high and only about 10 per cent of all applicants were found to be suitable for appointment.