Jeonnam Fire Headquarters, Choi Yongcheol Appointed as 19th Chief Fire Officer

Emphasizing a "Proactive Disaster Response System"

Choi Yongcheol, the new head of Jeonnam Fire Headquarters.

Choi Yongcheol has taken office as the 19th Chief of the Jeonnam Fire Headquarters.

On the 24th, without a separate inauguration ceremony, the new Chief Choi began his official duties by visiting the memorial altar for the victims of the December 29 Jeju Air passenger plane disaster to pay his respects.

Chief Choi, a native of Boeun, Chungbuk, graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and began his firefighting career in 1999 as a member of the 10th class of fire officer candidates. Since then, he has served as Chief of the Sejong Fire Headquarters, Director of Emergency Response at the National Fire Agency, and Acting Principal of the Central Fire Academy, earning a reputation for his extensive administrative experience and outstanding practical skills as a firefighting expert.

He holds a master's degree from Oklahoma State University in the United States and completed the paramedic program at Davenport University, also in the U.S., gaining expertise in rescue and emergency medical services, which are core areas of firefighting. He also broadened his international perspective as a visiting researcher at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia.

Chief Choi stated, "During my term, I will focus on strengthening the role of the Fire Headquarters to protect the lives and safety of Jeonnam residents through communication with staff, and I will work to establish a proactive response system for various disaster situations. I will prioritize the safety of the two million residents of Jeonnam and do my utmost to provide systematic and advanced fire services."

Meanwhile, Oh Seunghoon, the 18th Chief of the Jeonnam Fire Headquarters, has moved to the National Fire Agency as Director of Planning and Coordination.