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When he set foot on Saint-Barthélemy seven years ago, Lieutenant Thomas Charmillon's mission was to play an active role in the development of the Territorial Fire and Rescue Service. It's a task he has fulfilled to the full as second-in-command to Lieutenant Christophe Laurens. Laurens, who had some difficulty in concealing his emotion on Tuesday December 23, at the departure ceremony of the man who, over the years, has become much more than a simple collaborator.
Thomas knows what I think of him and his work," said the commander of Stis Saint-Barthélemy. He is the perfect example of a person who has managed to climb the ladder from the bottom up, as is possible in the fire department. He was involved in the development of Stis, he trained many firefighters, he didn't count his hours. Of course, when you're an officer, you don't count your hours. But this is beyond comprehension. I've rarely had seconds of this quality. With values such as loyalty, availability, adaptability, sharing, but also respect for collective work as much as for the hierarchy. "
While he did not dwell on the prospects for Stis, future Captain Charmillon was keen to look back on the seven years he spent in Saint-Barthélemy. A unique human and professional adventure," he said. I appreciate the opportunity I've been given to command men and women from all walks of life capable of rising above particular interests to serve the noblest cause of all: helping, protecting and saving. "
The "mark of great leaders
The day-to-day life of a firefighter, made up of movement and a perpetual quest for improvement, is evoked by the officer. I sometimes think back with emotion to my arrival in Saint-Barth, to the gap between what the Stis was yesterday and what it has become today," he declares. We were a department under construction, still fragile. We had to build everything, from organization and training to infrastructure and doctrine. What I see today is nothing like what I knew when I first walked through the doors of the rescue center. "
Surrounded by his colleagues, the lieutenant praised the work accomplished by all. Every year, every day. "You are the symbol of Stis' success," he insisted. Saint-Barth has taught me a lot," he said. The courage to accompany, to listen, to protect and to decide. But also the courage to have the will to build. I learned that a leader is nothing without his men. "And he pays a vibrant tribute to Lieutenant Laurens: "Christophe, thank you for being one of those leaders capable of saying that they will be there and stay the course, whatever the trials and storms. Thank you for trusting me. "
Thomas Charmillon also pays tribute to Pauline, his partner. "To her courage, her tenacity, her discreet but decisive presence, her patience and understanding," he says.
In a few days' time, Lieutenant Charmillon will receive his new rank of captain. At the same time, he will take on new responsibilities within the Sdis de La Rochelle, in Charente-Maritime. He will no doubt still have countless images of Saint-Barth in his mind.
