FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Head of the Trelawny fire department, Superintendent Roland Walters, has reiterated concerns about speeding and reckless driving resulting in fatal crashes and serious injuries along sections of the North Coast highway.

Walters was bringing greetings on Saturday at Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny, where members of the Trelawny Division of the Jamaica Fire Brigade gathered for worship.

Addressing the congregation, Walters pointed to what he described as “carnage on the roads” on the stretch of the highway in Trelawny.

On February 1, the latest casualties were two men — 50-year-old Donovan Robinson of Lyndhurst Crescent, Kingston 5, and Lloyd Buchanan of a Kingston address — who lost their lives in a motor vehicle crash in the Carey Park area. Their deaths brought to five the number of road fatalities recorded by the Trelawny Police since the start of the year,

“We see the carnage on the roads between Braco and the border of St James. The speed and the callousness with which we operate on the roadways is hurting families. As a fire department, we are deeply concerned. We witness first-hand the pain and suffering that families endure on these occasions,” Walters said.

But despite the grim reality faced by first responders, Walters said he has also seen the best of humanity emerge in the darkest moments.

“We are also seeing the power of community, compassion and courage. We have seen neighbours helping neighbours, strangers becoming friends, and communities coming together in times of need,” he told worshippers.

Walters also used the opportunity to underscore the emotional and psychological toll that motor vehicle crashes and other emergencies are having on members of the department.

“I also want to take the time to also focus on mental health emergencies. Since the hurricane last October, we have been experiencing many more calls where, upon arrival, individuals are pronounced DOA – dead on arrival. This often means that medications are not being taken on time, or that early intervention was not sought. This is a cause for concern,” he said.

He added that even as firefighters are frequently exposed to traumatic scenes, they are required to remain composed in order to carry out rescues.

“You may not realise that firefighters often come face to face with severely mangled bodies, yet they must stand strong in order to effect rescues,” Walters said, noting that this reality makes stress management critical within the profession.

Describing firefighting as more than just a job, Walters said it is a divine calling rooted in service.

”We are servants not only to humanity, but also to our Creator, our God, because He has empowered us to serve, to help others and to bless others,” he said.

He urged congregants to keep firefighters and their families in prayer as they continue to put their lives on the line daily.

Walters also extended an invitation for deeper community partnership in fire prevention and safety education.

From left: Assistant Superintendent Ronald Blissett (Trelawny Division); Deputy Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade Kevin Haughton; Superintendent Roland Walters; and District Officer Kerry-Ann Heron-Grizzle in attendance at a church service at the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday.