For Saint Barbara's Day, firefighters in the spotlight

For the first time in its short history, the new fire station of the Saint-Jean Territorial Fire and Rescue Service hosted the Sainte-Barbe ceremony. In December 2024, the patron saint of firefighters was celebrated in the old premises. However, if a particular emotion was palpable last Sunday, December 7, it was more the result of the numerous bonuses distributed to the firefighters and the imminent departure of one of the team's "old hands".
Lined up at attention in front of the Stis commander, Lieutenant Christophe Laurens, the Prefect Cyrille le Vely, the President of the Collectivité Xavier Lédée and territorial councillor Olivier Gréaux, thirteen professional and volunteer sappers received their new rank or a medal in recognition of their actions and seniority. Not without pride, although it was with all the restraint and dignity befitting their position that they received their respective awards.

"Dedication to the island
During the speeches, Olivier Gréaux took the floor on behalf of President Lédée to point out that "the Stis teams proved to be extremely efficient on a number of delicate and perilous operations", while underlining the major investments made by the Collectivité in recent years. Senator Micheline Jacques insisted that the firefighters "embody the values of commitment to others, courage in action and devotion to the island and the nation". She also paid tribute to the families of firefighters, who support these men and women who "behind the scenes are the heroes of everyday life". She confessed her pride at seeing four firefighters from Saint-Barth march down the Champs-Élysées on July 14th in Paris.
The prefect, Cyrille Le Vely, reiterated "the respect" that must be shown to the missions carried out every day by Stis personnel, both male and female.

Lieutenant Charmillon on his way out

For Lieutenant Laurens, the Saint-Barbe's Day speech is an opportunity to take stock of Stis operations (see below), training courses and the improvements made to our various systems. But on this Saint-Barbe 2025, the Stis commander was keen to pay special tribute to someone who has been "a pillar of the team for the past seven years". This was Lieutenant Thomas Charmillon, soon to be appointed Captain, who will be leaving Stis Saint-Barthélemy to join La Rochelle. I sincerely thank you for your commitment, your professionalism and your rigor," said Lieutenant Laurens. You embodied the values of solidarity, determination, team spirit, loyalty and commitment to the service, the Collectivité and the population. Your departure is the consequence of a lack of promotion in your career, a problem that is not always easy to accept for those who give their heart and energy every day. "He added, however, that work had been underway for several months with the Collectivité to enable staff "to evolve in line with the real needs of the service and their skills, in order to retain them in their commitment".
Lieutenant Laurens praised the Collectivité's attentiveness and support, as well as the Prefect's good relations with the Gendarmerie and the hospital. He also emphasized the daily work of all personnel, from professionals to seasonal volunteers. He also pointed out that, while the Stis is in the process of being strengthened, the "human resources aspect is vital to the stabilization of the service".
Far from the polemics that followed the firemen's ball, the men and women who rescue the island's inhabitants every day received all the recognition they deserve. Before setting off again, without question, to help those who need their services.