Tanuvasa Petone Mauga has been appointed as Commissioner for the Fire and Emergency Services Authority for the next three years. 

The Cabinet appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by the Government on Tuesday. 

“A veteran police naval commanding officer formerly with the Nafanua Patrol Boat and also a certified Naval Officer, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga is the new Fire Chief endorsed by Cabinet today to lead the Samoa Fire and Emergency Authority.” 

He has been a public servant for 22 years including 16 years with the Police Force. 

“For 12 years he was deployed on the Nafanua Patrol Boat. And after five years as the Nafanua Commanding Officer, he left the force to continue his public service career as Assistant Chief Executive Officer in charge of Special and Emergency Operations for the last six years.

A product of the public school system from Malifa Infant and Primary Schools to Leifiifi Intermediate, Avele College and the National University of Samoa, Tanuvasa also completed specialized studies with Australia’s Maritime College and the U.S. Naval College based in Rhode Island.” 

Tanuvasa took over from Taueva Faafouina Mupo Sauvao, who resigned from his job to run in next year’s election. 

The former Commissioner is contesting the Aana Alofi No. 1 constituency against four other candidates. 

The F.E.S.A. has three main functions; Fire, Rescue Response Service and Medical Emergency Response Service.

According to the F.E.S.A. website the Authority is administered by the Board of Directors which comprises of five independent members. 

“The organizational structure depicts the Authority’s departments being the Fire Suppression and Emergency Response Services, Fire Safety Awareness and Prevention Services, Corporate Services and the Commissioner, who is also the administrative head of the Authority.” 

The F.E.S.A. compromises of 179 staff manning all four  stations of the Authority which includes Apia, Faleata, Asau and Maota. 

The F.E.S.A. also has 50 Volunteers emergency response teams Samoa (V.E.R.T.S.) members whom assist with major operations of the Authority which requires more man-power for a short period of time to ensure there isn’t interruption to daily operations of the Authority. 

“These volunteers are paid but are also trained from time to time to ensure they have the skills necessary to implement the type of work required by the Authority.”