Fire Sergeant Jang Namjik of Jeonnam Fire Department Selected as 'S.A.V.E. Hero'

Recognition for Initial Firefighting Effort on 25t Trailer Fire in Cheonma Tunnel During Day Off

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Fire Chief Jang Namjik of Gwangyang Fire Station received the Hero Award at the 3rd S.A.V.E. Hero Awards Ceremony.

According to the Jeonnam Fire Headquarters (Chief Ma Jaeyoon) on the 2nd, the Fire Agency selected and awarded seven active firefighters who have made significant contributions in disaster site volunteering and the suppression of large-scale and specialized fires that attracted public attention.

S.A.V.E stands for "Superheroes Assemble Valuable Energy."

Chief Jang was appointed in December 2012 and contributed to establishing a local safety culture through various fire and rescue activities at the Suncheon, Boseong, Goheung, and Gwangyang Fire Station rescue teams.

In particular, on January 30th, while off duty and driving on the highway, he witnessed a fire involving a 25-ton trailer inside the Cheonma Tunnel on the Suncheon-Wanju Expressway southbound lane and played a major role in the initial firefighting efforts.

At that time, Chief Jang safely guided vehicles passing through the tunnel to evacuate via the emergency escape gallery using hand signals and successfully extinguished the initial fire using the fire hydrant inside the tunnel, earning recognition for his efforts to reduce property and human damage.

Chief Jang said, "It is a duty that firefighters must naturally perform, and I am grateful to receive such an honorable award," adding, "I will continue to do my best to protect the lives and property of the people."

Meanwhile, Chief Jang Namjik will receive a certificate and a 2 million won family travel voucher through a separate awards ceremony.