Passion to serve inspires woman to become a police officer

BISHOPS Lavis resident Hanolizia Geduld’s dedication to the public service has seen her joining the country’s police service after completing a basic police-training course.

Geduld, who relocated to Riversdale in the Hessequa area, began her career as a firefighter for Working on Fire (WOF).

During her time in WOF Geduld strove to learn as much as she could and with the support of her family and motivation from the Riversdale crew leaders and team, she completed courses in advanced structural firefighting, first aid, hazardous materials (hazmat) and accident scene management.

When asked about her journey within WOF, she said: “I really enjoyed working at WOF as I had a lot of opportunities to learn more. Due to all the training and the stipend I received at WOF it made it easier to apply to SAPS as I had many qualifications, discipline and the knowledge they required.

“Thank you WOF for moulding me into the person I am today,” Geduld said.

The constable said she was now fulfilling her lifelong dream, of protecting her community as best she could after completing her basic police training course.

Geduld, a single parent to 8-year-old daughter Shamishia and 3-year-old son, Keithan-Leigh, has worked hard to support her children and family since joining the WOF programme in August 2011.

The national Department of Environmental Affairs’ WOF programme, now in its 15th year, is instrumental in fighting veld and forest fires, and their ground teams are active and often seen high up the mountains.

WOF firefighters undergo extensive training, and are renowned for their fitness, discipline and exceptional work ethic and bravery.

The programme provides veld fire suppression support to the provinces, disaster management centres, fireprotection associations and landowners like SA National Parks and CapeNature. – Staff Writer