From the start
In December 1997 the selection for the first Aruban fire fighter took place, and so initiated the start of a new era in fire fighting in Aruba.
In November 1999 the first class of volunteers started their training which would be no different from that of their professional colleagues.
The only difference, since all volunteers hold daytime jobs, was that the classes took place twice a week at night, thus sacrificing a lot of quality time otherwise spent with their loved ones.
In December 2000 the last exams took place and on March 14, 2001 during an official ceremony the first 10 volunteers graduated and received their diplomas in the presence of the minister of Justice Mr. Eddy Croes and chief commander Jaime Donata.

First female fire fighter
Within the 10 volunteers is Aruba's first (and still only) female fire fighter, Jacqueline van Putten.
Her full time job as a sports instructor for the government department IDREFE and a single mom keeps her quit busy. But still she manages to make time to attend training sessions and works an eight hour shift every two weeks.

Celebrating one year
This past year has been a successful year with lots of new experiences.
Since April 2001 sergeant Ocando Croes has been appointed the official commander of the volunteers.
Being a full-time fire fighter himself, he is no acceptation to the rule.
Recently 2 new members were added to the squad after successfully passing their exams.

Volunteer schedule
Training sessions take place every Tuesday night from 7:30 –– 10:30.
Training includes all different disciplines essential for fire fighting, aircraft fire fighting and rescue. Sport is also a part of the training, as well as social activities.
Every Saturday the volunteers work an eight hour shift at one of the 3 fire stations, including the airport.
On these shifts the volunteer is on the crew on duty and work together with their professional colleagues.
All volunteers carry pagers, so in case of an emergency they can be called upon to assist.
Attendance is almost excellent, for training session about 76% and for training over 80%.

Get to know the volunteers
1. Pierre Geerman: works for the local electricity supplier ELMAR, delivering bills so he knows Aruba like the palm of his hand.

2. Henk Hankart: Handyman and mechanic by trade.

3. Leo Ponson: when he’s not on duty as a volunteer, he pretends to be an architect

4. Jacqueline van Putten: sport-instructor during the day, mom the rest of the day and fire fighter in the weekends.

5. Jhonny Rosel: The one who keeps the fire trucks running. Hobby drag racing. He has a 6.34 run on his record.

Experience
On several occasions the volunteers have been called upon to help out in emergencies.
Saint John celebrations, on June 24th Arubians celebrate the traditional harvest celebration.
By custom high stacks of weed and hay are set on fire.
The fire department lends a helping hand to put out those fires that can become hazardous or dangerous.
New years celebrating, December 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st, a lot of fire work will be set off to celebrate the ending of the year and the beginning of a new one.
A lot of rockets will end up in the bushes, so the fire department, with a helping hand of the volunteers is pretty busy.
Coastal refinery fire, April 2001, all volunteers and professional fire fighter on ““pager-duty”” were called upon to help out.
All stations were manned with extra personnel and together with the Coastal refinery fire department the fire was successfully put out.
Miami store, June 24th 2001, after a busy Saint John night, at 1:00am all volunteers were called upon to attend at a grocery store fire.
The supermarket could not be saved, but the surrounding building escaped miraculous through the professional and rapid intervention of the fire department.