Call on everyone to observe meaning behind International Firefighters Day
KAPIT: It is vital for everyone, especially the firefighters, to observe the meaning behind the celebration of the International Firefighters Day, which falls on May 4 every year.
St at e F i r e a nd Re s c u e Department ( Bomba) officer for Zone 4 Central Region (Sibu, Kapit, Sarikei and Mukah Divisions) Mutton Gelanggang regards the celebration as a special day to recognise, honour and appreciate the roles and sacri f ices of firefighters in any society.
Ac c ord i n g t o h im, the International Firefighters Day has been observed since 1999.
“Au s t r a l i a n volu nt e e r firefighter JJ Edmonson had, on Jan 4, 1999, sent an email to the whole world that proposed for a day to be dedicated to the great sacrifices and commitment of the firefighters.
“May 4 was later fixed as the International Firefighters Day,” Mutton related the history of the occasion at the district-level celebration on the ground of Kapit Bomba headquarters at Jalan Bletih here recently.
Adding on, he stressed on the five key tasks of firefighters.
“They are to adopt up- to- date training and discipl ines to further enhance the profession; to ensure that all personnel and their equipment would always be in tip-top condition to ensure speedy and effective missions; to constantly update the procedures in emergency situations towards attaining optimum results; to enhance the welfare of the firefighters and their families; and also to adopt high spirit of nationalism and patriotism for the nation and also the love for the profession,” he elaborated.
Various activities had been lined up for the celebration yesterday including the presentation of merit certificates to Kapit Bomba personnel namely Sengiang Usat, Perita Jepai, Andrew Paing, Abu Osman and Norman Teo, as well as members of the local police, Kapit Hospital, Kapit People’s Volunteers Corps ( Rela) and Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB).
Kapit Bomba also announced the establishment of Kelab 3K – a ‘ Young Firefighters Club’ programme that focuses on preschoolers.
Currently, Kapit Bomba has 30 firefighters, with Irrwandy Tugor as the officer-in- charge who is assisted by Sengiang.
The function also hosted Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit, Kapit Hospital director Dr Hii King Ching, and Kapit Unity and National Integration Department officer Latifah Attong.