Gyeonggi Fire Department, Nationwide First April Volunteer Fire Brigade 'Wind Orchestra' Established

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters will establish a Gwanak-centered 'Wind Orchestra' led by volunteer firefighters in April.

The Fire and Disaster Headquarters announced on the 10th that the 'Gyeonggi 119 Floriano Wind Orchestra' has appointed over 30 members and a conductor, and is practicing every Saturday in preparation for its inauguration next month.

The name Floriano in the orchestra's title refers to a soldier (legion commander) from the Roman Empire era in the 3rd century who gathered volunteers to form a fire brigade and worked to prevent disasters. He is especially recognized for significantly contributing to fire prevention in many European cities through the formation of volunteer fire brigades.

The newly formed orchestra consists mainly of wind instruments such as trumpets, trombones, horns, tubas, flutes, and clarinets, along with percussion and keyboard instruments. Going forward, they will perform at various official events such as Volunteer Firefighter Day, Firefighting Day, and 119 Memorial Day, as well as hold charity concerts for artistic underprivileged groups including youth and the elderly.

The Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters Wind Orchestra is rehearsing ahead of its April inauguration. Provided by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters

They also plan to collaborate with various artistic groups in the province, including the Gyeonggi Rivera Orchestra, which was established last December.

Currently, the National Fire Agency has a Central Fire Brigade Band that is actively performing, mainly composed of firefighting officials. Therefore, the creation of an orchestra centered on volunteer firefighters is the first initiative by the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters.

Jo Seon-ho, head of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, emphasized, "With the official inaugural performance in April, the establishment of an orchestra in Gyeonggi Fire will elevate the dignity and pride of Gyeonggi Fire alongside the 119 Honor Guard. We will also actively seek institutional support measures to play an important role in raising safety awareness and promoting it to residents through music."