Director at the Forestry Division Carlton Roberts says the new mantra of the employees is to be safe when performing their duties.
Roberts made the comment as he paid tribute during the funeral service of fallen Forestry colleague Keith Campbell at the St Charles’ RC Church in Tunapuna.
“A good soldier was snatched from the elements of nature,” Roberts told the congregation as he noted that Campbell, who succumbed to burn injuries he sustained while fighting a bush fire on Good Friday, had spent three decades of his life with the division.
Roberts noted that Campbell always ended a sentence with “please God” and everything was “no scene” or “no problem” to him. He said no matter what task was given to Campbell there was always the same response.
He said his colleagues missed him and the mantra now was “don’t let another soldier fall, now is be safe.”
Kevon Campbell, the deceased’s son, gave the eulogy. He described his father as a man who was “patient, a good listener”, noting his friends said he was “reserved but different.”
Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, who was one of the mourners, said he had visited Campbell at the hospital.
“He had his apparatus and firefighting gear. It is flame retardant. From what I learnt the fire was too strong and they were on a slope,” he said.
Rambharat said the fire was very bad and Campbell became overwhelmed.
When asked if Fire Service could have assisted he said no.
The church was packed with mourners who even stood outside faring the rainy conditions.