Ruel Davis enjoying life after retirement
Ruel Davis of Williamsfield in Westmoreland is resting on his laurels these days, having served the Jamaica Fire Brigade bravely and valiantly for more than 40 years.
These days, the 66-year-old retiree is a regular fixture in Williamsfield, where he was born and raised and where he continues to feel at home.
Davis, who is the consummate community man, likes to reminisce about his days with the brigade, which he served as a member of the Savanna-la-Mar Division from 1970 to 2011.
“I joined the fire service because I like the military, and the fire service is a semi-military organisation,” said Davis. “I always liked to see those people perform, so I went in it, and I have no regrets about it.”
GET GOOD RESULTS
“I left the field in the rank of a turnout officer in 2011. That role is like the inspector of police. Whatever duty I performed, I would do it well and get good results,” added Davis.
With his time in the fire service behind him, Davis now lives a quiet life as a farmer, far removed from the dangers of his former job. But he has not discarded what he learnt as he often provides advice to the residents to help keep them safe.
“I am a community person, and I work with the people and try to educate them about whatever I know. They always accept the advice because they have accepted me, and whatever I tell them, they always believe it,” said Davis.
As for his former colleagues in the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Davis wants them to keep on learning as much as they can so that they will always be on top of their game.
“The fire service is a very risky business, and that is someplace that you always have to learn. You can’t stop learning there,” said Davis.