'119 Hero Award' Presented to 7 Citizens Who Devoted Themselves at Disaster Sites

From the top left of the photo: Mun Gi-hak, Shin Bok-su, Lee Eun-su, Ko Dae-gwon, Park Seong-an, Son Seong-mo, Choi Bong-seok

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The National Fire Agency announced on the 22nd that it will award the '119 Hero Award' to seven citizen heroes who risked their lives to save precious lives at disaster sites.

Mr. Moon Gi-hak, Mr. Shin Bok-su, and Mr. Lee Eun-su heard about a large fire at a hospital in Goheung, Jeonnam, in the early morning of July 10 this year. They drove their moving ladder truck and aerial work platform to the scene and rescued people trapped inside the building.

Also, Mr. Ko Dae-kwon, Mr. Park Seong-an, Mr. Son Seong-mo, and Mr. Choi Bong-seok used their own boats to rescue citizens stranded during unprecedented heavy rains in August in Gurye, Jeonnam, when the Seomjin River overflowed and embankments collapsed, causing large-scale flooding.

They all said in unison, "Anyone would have done the same in such a situation," adding, "We just stepped forward first, and if such incidents happen again, we will run without hesitation."

Separately from the Hero Award, the National Fire Agency will present commendations from the Fire Commissioner to police officers and volunteer firefighters. Officer Ko Jin-hyung saved a child drifting in Jungnangcheon, Uijeongbu, on August 5 by performing CPR. Earlier, on July 10 during the hospital fire in Goheung, Jeonnam, volunteer firefighter Park Chun-su from Duwon-myeon, who was hospitalized at the hospital, greatly contributed to helping firefighters evacuate patients.

Jeong Moon-ho, Commissioner of the National Fire Agency, said, "Anyone can think about it, but the spirit of sacrifice to act to save people in danger should be highly valued and recorded," adding, "We will continue to expand policies that honor the dignity of 119 heroes."