Ahead of the 63rd Firefighters' Day on November 9
Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik Holds Luncheon with Firefighters
President Lee Unable to Attend Due to Cold
Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, is speaking at a luncheon to encourage firefighters held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 5th, four days before Firefighters' Day. Photo by Yonhap News
On November 5, Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, stated to firefighters, "The Lee Jaemyung administration will become the 119 of firefighting."
Jeon Eunsu, Deputy Spokesperson for the Presidential Office, announced that Chief Kang made these remarks during a luncheon with firefighters held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the same day.
This event was organized ahead of the 63rd Firefighters' Day, which falls on November 9. The attendees included 12 firefighters selected based on region, symbolic significance, dedication, and spirit of sacrifice, including Kim Seungryong, Acting Commissioner of the National Fire Agency. The Presidential Office explained, "This luncheon was arranged to express gratitude to firefighters who have devoted themselves to protecting the lives and safety of the public, and to enhance their sense of duty and pride."
Chief Kang said, "I deeply thank all the firefighters who have done their utmost this year at the scenes of major wildfires, heavy rains, landslides, and droughts. You, who are the first to enter and the last to leave dangerous sites, are truly the nation's heroes."
He continued, "I always feel indebted to you for quietly fulfilling the foremost duty of the state, which is to protect the lives and safety of the people. The government will make every effort to ensure that special sacrifices and dedication are met with appropriate rewards."
He also emphasized, "A firefighter's mission does not end the moment a life is saved; it is only complete when you return safely to your family and colleagues."
The attendees raised issues with Chief Kang, including the problem of emergency room overcrowding, the need to expand emergency medical helicopters, the recruitment of additional paramedics, the enhancement of wildfire suppression equipment, and the challenge of long hospital transport distances. When one attendee requested, "Please ask the President to attend the Firefighters' Day event during his term," Chief Kang replied, "I will definitely convey your request."
Meanwhile, President Lee Jaemyung was originally scheduled to attend the luncheon in person, but Chief Kang attended on his behalf due to the President suffering from a cold.
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