Six officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) completed three weeks of firefighting training in Honiara on 7 November 2025 in Honiara.
The firefighting training program began on 20 October 2025 and finished with a small graduation program. Among the six new firefighters, two were female and four were male police officers.
Present during the graduation program are advisors from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Australian Federal Police Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) and Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operation and senior management of the Fire and Rescue Service Department of the RSIPF.
Assistant Commissioner (AC) of National Operation, Mr. Francis Ramoni, in his remarks said, “To the six officers who have successfully completed this course—two female and four male officers—I extend my warmest congratulations.”
“Your commitment, resilience, and teamwork throughout this challenging journey are commendable.”
AC Ramoni said they have demonstrated the discipline and professionalism expected of RSIPF Fire and Rescue personnel.
He encouraged them to carry this same dedication into your future duties and to uphold the RSIPF code of ethics at all times.
“I am particularly proud of the participation of our two female firefighters, which highlights our ongoing commitment to promoting gender diversity within the RSIPF organization.
“A special word of appreciation also goes to the RSIPF key strategic partners, Fire & Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) Advisor, and AFP-RAPPP program advisors for their valuable support, funding, and guidance—particularly in providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and technical advice—which have greatly contributed to the success of this course.
“Your contribution to fostering this training framework has raised our standards and enhanced our readiness in both immediate and enduring ways,” said Mr. Ramoni.
In his remarks during the closing remarks, the Deputy Director of the Fire and Rescue Service of the RSIPF, Inspector Philip Qualoboe Luqara, said, “Over the past three weeks, we have taken officers through the foundation of what it means to become a firefighter.”
This training has not only been about drills, tools, equipment, and firefighting techniques—it has been about attitude, discipline, and understanding the responsibility that comes with this profession.
“You have been challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some of the tasks were difficult. Some of the instructions were strict. At times it tested your patience and your strength.
“But this is necessary, because the fireground does not negotiate. Fire does not adjust to your comfort. Emergencies do not wait for you to prepare.
“Therefore, we train you to perform under pressure, to think clearly in danger, and to work as one team,” said Mr. Luqara.
Supervising Director of Fire and Rescue Services of the RSIPF, Inspector James Ketaru, said these graduates had gone through three weeks of intensive training, including theory and practical.
Actually, the training should be done within five weeks. However, with their participation in the two-week annual Fire Refresher Training, this reduces their training durations to three weeks.
A newly appointed firefighter representative, Police Constable Merilyn Pado, said it is truly an honor to stand on behalf of the six graduates on this special occasion as we come together to celebrate the achievement, hard work, and dedication.
Today is not just about receiving awards; it’s all about recognizing the new journey, effort, and spirit that brought us here.
Mrs. Pado said, “I extend my appreciation for the hard work, teamwork, and support we shared. Each award that we receive today tells a story of the three weeks of training we spent together, of when we faced challenges and managed to overcome them, and also of moments when giving up might have been easier but we won instead.
“These stories remind us that success is not an accident; it’s the result of passion, patience, and teamwork, but remember, every step you take, every effort you make, brings you closer to your dreams.
“The true reward is not what we receive in our hands today but the lesson we learned and the people we became along the way. Let’s celebrate the spirit of growth and determination that lives within each of us, because in the end, that’s what makes us all achievers,” she said.
- RSIPF
