Bestian Holds 8th 'S.A.V.E. Hero' Awards Ceremony to Honor Firefighters

The Bestian Foundation announced on June 13 that it recently held the 8th S.A.V.E. Hero Awards Ceremony to honor firefighters who have dedicated themselves at disaster sites.

The ceremony, held on June 11, was attended by Baek Seungdu, spokesperson of the National Fire Agency; Kim Kyungsik, chairman of the Bestian Foundation; Seol Sujin, head of the Social Welfare Division at the Bestian Foundation; Oh Chanyl, president of the Sunflower Association for Burn Survivors; as well as recipients of the S.A.V.E. Hero Award and model firefighters. 'S.A.V.E.' stands for "Superheroes, Attract, Valuable, Energies," meaning superheroes gather valuable energy.

The 8th S.A.V.E. campaign, which began in the second half of last year, featured a family photo contest for active firefighters and their families across the country. Six teams (10 people) were selected, and their family photos were included in a calendar, which was offered as a reward product through a Naver Happybean public interest funding campaign. A fund of approximately 14 million won, raised through the participation of various companies, organizations, and individuals, will be allocated equally: 50% to support healing trips for firefighters' families, and 50% to cover medical expenses for low-income burn patients.

The recipients of the Hero Award are as follows: Fire Sergeant Kim Jushin (Busan Gangseo Fire Station), Fire Lieutenant Seo Dongsoo (Busan Haeundae Fire Station), Fire Lieutenant Song Dongseok (Busan Geumjeong Fire Station), Fire Lieutenant Jin Seongdeok (Daejeon Seobu Fire Station), Fire Sergeant Lee Jewoon (Gyeonggi Northern Special Response Unit), Fire Captain Yoo Minjoo (Chungbuk Fire Administration Division), and Fire Lieutenant Jeong Moonsu (Jeonnam Mokpo Fire Station).

During the event, plaques of appreciation, photo albums, and dining vouchers were presented to the six teams (10 people) of firefighters who participated as S.A.V.E. campaign models. In addition, 50% of the campaign fund, earmarked for the treatment of low-income burn patients, was delivered to Oh Chanyl, president of the Sunflower Association for Burn Survivors.

Kim Kyungsik, chairman of the Bestian Foundation, stated, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to the S.A.V.E. Hero Award recipients, who have quietly fulfilled their mission to protect the lives of the people," and added, "The Bestian Foundation will continue to stand as a steadfast partner to firefighters on the front lines, maintaining solidarity to protect public safety and lives."

Baek Seungdu, spokesperson of the National Fire Agency, said, "Thank you for supporting the courage and dedication of our firefighters, who quietly protect the safety of the people on the front lines, through the S.A.V.E. Hero Awards, now in its eighth year," and added, "I hope the S.A.V.E. campaign will continue to serve as a place of healing and empathy for both firefighters and the public."

The Bestian Foundation was established based on the Ministry of Health and Welfare-designated Bestian Hospitals specializing in burn treatment in Seoul, Cheongju, and Busan. The foundation has provided support for medical and living expenses for low-income burn patients. It also offers burn safety and awareness education for preschool children, seniors in vulnerable groups, and related professionals nationwide.