A Tribute to Fire Service Veterans: Over 60 Years of Combined Dedication

1 min read
fire service retirement

Two members of the City Fire & Rescue Service have retired after a remarkable service of over 60 years combined. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, hosted a ceremony at Roeland Street fire station to acknowledge their unwavering dedication and hard work.

Divisional Commander Steve Abrahamse

Divisional Commander Steve Abrahamse began his journey with the City’s Fire & Rescue Service in 1976. He started at the Goodwood fire station, where he spent his entire career, ending as Divisional Commander: Operations District North. Abrahamse supervised the operations of four fire stations in Goodwood, Bellville, Brackenfell, and Kraaifontein.

Abrahamse began his career in firefighting by earning his junior firefighter certificate and became a senior firefighter before working as a fire officer in Bellville. He later worked in the Windhoek Fire Department and as the Head of Fire Safety in Potchefstroom from 1990 to 1995, before returning to Cape Town. Abrahamse was the Deputy Chief Fire Officer at the Milnerton Fire Department before the City of Cape Town amalgamated the various local government authorities.

Paul van Zyl

Paul van Zyl joined the City’s Fire & Rescue Service in October 1992, after completing his apprenticeship as a heavy vehicle diesel mechanic. He worked in the workshop at Roeland Street fire station, where he performed emergency repairs and preventative maintenance on vehicles. Van Zyl also helped restore and maintain all Unimog 4×4 firefighting vehicles at the old Newlands forestry station.

Van Zyl’s hobby was crafting scale models of firefighting vehicles and restoring items on display at the Fire Museum at Roeland Street fire station. He also made farewell gifts, shields, trophies, and other items to showcase throughout the Fire & Rescue Service. After 30 years and seven months of dedicated service, Van Zyl retired.

Appreciation and Gratitude

Alderman Smith commended both Abrahamse and Van Zyl for their dedication to serving the residents of Cape Town. He applauded their hard work and perseverance, which serves as an example to their colleagues. Alderman Smith wished them well on their new journey and encouraged them to spend more time with loved ones and pursue new interests.

The City Fire & Rescue Service will deeply miss both Abrahamse and Van Zyl’s contributions. We celebrate their outstanding careers and the profound impact they have made on their communities and colleagues.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Cholera Outbreak Spreads in South Africa

Next Story

Advancing Transparency: Constitutional Court Rules in Favor of Access to Tax Records

Latest from Blog

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.