Firefighters stepped forward to provide free smoke detectors to a seniors home in Pembroke as part of a commitment to public safety.

A spokesman for the Ministry of National Security said the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service installed 15 smoke detectors at the Elizabeth Hills seniors residences on Happy Valley Road.

The scheme was said to be a part of the BFRS’s fire prevention and community outreach programme which provides fire safety literature and smoke alarm brochures.

Troy Furbert, the Acting Chief Fire Officer, said: “The BFRS is proud to serve our community in emergencies and through preventive measures like this.

“Our mission is to protect life and property, and initiatives such as these demonstrate the dedication of our team to making a positive impact.

“We will continue to engage with our most vulnerable residents to promote safety and peace of mind.”

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security thanked the firefighters and BFRS for their “outstanding service”, stating: “Their proactive approach to fire prevention, particularly in safeguarding our seniors, reflects the very best of public service.

“Our seniors hold a special place in my heart and I am deeply appreciative of efforts like these that help keep them safe.”

Mr Weeks also praised John Barritt, the chairman of the Bermuda Housing Trust, who supported and facilitated the initiative.

Mr Barritt said: “We very much appreciate the unsolicited contribution of the BFRS in this important way. It was a pleasant and welcome surprise.

“The trust’s legislated mandate is to provide affordable rental accommodation for our seniors, that is as affordable as possible.

“We have also had a longstanding policy of never raising rents on sitting tenants.

“There are challenges not the least of which are the rising costs to maintenance of the five properties we manage, some 200 units in total, so when the BFRS stepped up with their offer to assist in this way we embraced it without hesitation.”

Mr Barritt added that the new smoke alarms would help to improve the safety and security of seniors and the BFRS should be commended for its work to help the community.