[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina Cho] President Moon Jae-in stated on the 1st that "the transition of firefighters to national government employees is the nation's response to the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters" in relation to the unification of firefighters under the national government.
In a post on social media (SNS) that day, President Moon said, "I extend my congratulations to all firefighters who started their first day as national government employees," expressing this sentiment.
President Moon expressed gratitude, saying, "There are always firefighters at disaster sites experienced by our people," and "During the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus infection) pandemic, we can see firefighters wearing protective suits instead of fireproof gear at quarantine sites across the country." He then emphasized, "The transition of firefighting positions to national government employees increases the national responsibility for the firefighting services received by the public."
President Moon added, "I hope this becomes a reward and a source of pride for firefighters," and "Due to the COVID-19 situation, the commemorative ceremony could not be held, but I want to celebrate together in spirit."
Firefighters nationwide, who had been divided into national and local government employees, were unified under the national government on this day. This is about 47 years after the dual system was established. Of the total 53,188 firefighters, 52,516, or 98.7%, who were local government employees, transitioned to national government employees. The government expects that this will enable improved treatment of firefighters and the provision of equal firefighting services.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
