Choi Yongcheol Appointed Acting Chief of Gyeonggi Fire Headquarters on the 22nd: "Will Build a Strong Gyeonggi Fire Service Against Crises"

Choi Yongcheol, former Chief of the Jeollanam-do Fire Headquarters (Fire Commissioner), was appointed as the Acting Director of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters on September 22.

On his first day, Acting Director Choi began his official duties by visiting the Memorial Tower to honor fallen firefighters, instead of holding a separate inauguration ceremony. In the afternoon, he will conduct an on-site safety inspection at Anyang Central Market ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

Choi Yongcheol, Deputy Director of Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, visited the Suwon Memorial Tower on the 22nd as his first official schedule to offer flowers and incense. Provided by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters

Born in Boeun, North Chungcheong Province, Acting Director Choi graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and was appointed as a member of the 10th class of fire officer candidates in 1999. He has held key positions including Chief of Uiwang and Gwangju Fire Stations, Administrative Officer at the National Security Office of the Presidential Office, Chief of Sejong Fire Headquarters, Director of Response Coordination at the National Fire Agency, and Chief of Jeollanam-do Fire Headquarters, gaining extensive experience in both field operations and policy.

He further developed his expertise in rescue and emergency medical services by completing a master's program at Oklahoma State University and a paramedic program at Davenport University in the United States, and served as a visiting researcher at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia.

Acting Director Choi stated, "The essence of firefighting is to protect 'an ordinary day' for residents and 'a day of pride' for our personnel," and added, "Crises do not start far away but from the gaps of today. With this mindset, I will build a meticulous and robust Gyeonggi-do Fire Service."

Meanwhile, Kim Jaebyung, the former Director of the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, retired with honorary status on the same day.