The Ministry of Interior celebrated the graduation of 133 staff members from the various directorates general of Civil Defense after completing six specialized courses at the Civil Defense Academy in al Faya, Abu Dhabi. The courses included: Firefighting Basic Courses No. 8, 9, and 10; the 1st Firefighters Skills course; the 1st and 2nd Evacuation course, the 1st drivers’ qualification course; and the hazardous materials awareness course.
The graduation ceremony, recently held at the Academy’s headquarters, was attended by Major General Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Acting Commander-in-chief of Civil Defense, heads of Civil Defense Departments, and a number of officers from the Civil Defense GHQ.
Brigadier Al Matrooshi overviewed field performances carried out by the graduates, featuring some of the skills they acquired during the courses. The skills include the means of handling hazardous materials leaks, handling flammable gases, and rescuing victims of inflammable gas accidents.
In his address to the graduates, Al Matrooshi expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Higher Leadership for providing continuous training opportunities for Civil Defense cadres, equipping them with practical experiences, and providing them with all their needs in the field so as to perform their duties to the fullest.
For his part, Sultan Saqer Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Academy delivered a speech at the beginning of the ceremony. He stressed the importance of organizing such courses that reflect the significant attention devoted by the Higher Leadership to the Civil Defense cadres, to promote the standards of quality performance. “This is achieved through distinguished training programs and keeping abreast of the latest developments in various areas, with a view to protect lives, the homeland and its achievements,” indicated Al Suwaidi.
He added: “The graduation of this elite group of Civil Defense members is a new booming phase of work in the field of civil defense. It is the first step in the ongoing process of self-training, which stems from the abiding desire of trainees to excel in their line of work,” wishing the graduates success in serving the nation.
In conclusion, Director of the Civil Defense Academy commended the efforts of the various partners and all individuals who contributed to ensure the success of the courses; praising their role in advancing and developing training programs for the benefit of society.