INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS DAY - A DAY FOR OUR UNSUNG HEROES
The National Fire Authority flew its official flag at half-mast today in all its 21 Fire Stations located around the country to remember and recognize the valued contributions of our firefighters, not only here in Fiji, but also all around the world.
In a solemn ceremony this morning, the officers of the National Fire Authority held a parade at the Suva Fire Station in Walu Bay today and laid wreaths at the Fire Service Memorial Dyce to commemorate the service of all firefighters and those who served in the fire service. The National Fire Authority conducted these ceremonies simultaneously in all three divisional headquarters in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa this morning and they joined other Fire Services around the world to celebrate International Firefighter’s Day today, 4th May 2023. In delivering his address today, the NFA Chief Executive Officer, Puamau Sowane said that International Firefighters’ Day is a time when the world’s community can recognize and honor the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible.
“Today has also been set aside to give us the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the current and past firefighters for their selfless contributions in keeping our communities fire-safe”, Mr Sowane said.
In recognizing the special role that our Firefighters have in our society; our efforts should also be focused towards ensuring that they are also provided with the necessary Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment that will enable them to effectively carry out their duties. Mr Sowane said that recently, the Minister for Housing & Local Government launched the Fire Service’s new Ceremonial and Parade uniforms, which was a milestone achievement for the NFA and timely for this special International Firefighters Day, when we finally get to see a new image of Fiji’s Fire Service. The production and awarding of Fire Service Medals is a new and milestone initiative this year that will now be an ongoing recognition and award system for all firefighters in Fiji.
During the 100 years’ celebration for the Fire Service here in Fiji, his Excellency the President had medaled 80 brave Firefighters across the country and today, we also honor them again for their brave acts in terms of rescue and saving lives and properties.
The NFA has evolved over the years and has expanded in its size with a total of 21 fire stations located around the country and a total of 683 permanent staff, of which a total of 648 are Career Firefighters whilst 35 are Corporate Services staff.
Mr Sowane said that our aim is not only to expand in size but also expand NFA’s functionality and significance to the public due to the criticalness of our function in terms of emergency response.
In the past few weeks alone, we have seen an increase in the number of Road Accident Rescue incidents and structural fires.
The increase in our numbers will enable us to carry out our functions effectively including the inspection of commercial properties, residential buildings and critical facilities to ensure adherence to fire safety compliance as per the Fiji National Building Code, in order to avoid the unnecessary occurrence of structural fires.
Mr Sowane urged all firefighters to focus on sharpening their knowledge to be very strategic when they are carrying out their duty.
“Your thinking should always be focused on how best you can master your skills and enhance your knowledge to be an effective and productive firefighter, understanding always that your ultimate aim is to protect and save lives”, Mr Sowane said.
We must at all times maintain our NFA motto which is: Always Ready!
Every life matters and the NFA urges everyone to help recognize the efforts made by Firefighters around the world who sacrifice their life and time to save lives and properties.