Equipment check: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee inspects the Fire Services Department's latest facilities and equipment.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has commended the Fire Services Department for providing efficient and quality emergency services to the public.

Accompanied by the Director of Fire Services Lam Chun-man, he visited the Fire Services Headquarters Building and Tsim Tung Fire Station today.

He was briefed on the operation of the Fire Services Communication Centre and the latest development of the Third Generation Mobilising System, which will be commissioned early next year to provide a modern command and control system for better deployment of fire and ambulance resources.

Mr Lee then went to Tsim Tung Fire Station to see the latest fire-fighting equipment and ambulances. He was pleased to learn that the department's pilot 'first responder' programme, which trains frontline firefighters to provide basic life support to casualties before the arrival of an ambulance crew, is progressing well.

He hailed the department's ensurance that full paramedic ambulance services will be provided in 2005, despite resource constraints.

"By providing effective emergency services, Fire Services plays an important role in making Hong Kong a safe and secure city," Mr Lee said.

During the visit he also met with representatives of staff unions to listen to their views on a number of issues.

Mr Lee later boarded the Fire Services flagship, Fireboat Elite, and was briefed on the department's diving and maritime search and rescue operations.