BCC holds passout parade for Operation Florian Phase 13 firefighters

The City of Bulawayo has held a pass-out parade for firefighters who completed the Operation Florian Phase 13 training programme at Famona Fire Station.

In a statement, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) said its partnership with Operation Florian began in 2009, with annual skills‑exchange visits taking place since 2011. Over the years, the programme has grown into a nationally significant initiative, attracting participation from local authorities across Zimbabwe.

"This year's training programme included firefighters from Harare, Chegutu, Kwekwe, Mutare, Zvishavane, Victoria Falls, Plumtree, Shurugwi, Chinhoyi, Gwanda, Beitbridge and Chipinge Urban Local Authorities," the council said.

Firefighters from six rural district councils - Tsholotsho, Matobo, Insiza, Hwange, Binga and Kusile - also took part, with some undergoing a three‑month training attachment in Bulawayo.

The Zimbabwe Power Company (Hwange) and the Ghanzi Municipality of Botswana were also part of the programme.



Mayor David Coltart, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Finance and Development Committee chairperson Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, praised the partnership, describing the knowledge transfer as vital to national disaster‑management capacity.

The passout parade also marked the farewell of the Operation Florian team, who return to the United Kingdom after completing a two‑week training programme.



The visiting team comprised members from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Fire Service, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, the London Fire Brigade and the Welsh Fire Service.