Gyeonggi Fire Service Appoints 316 New Firefighters... Kim Dongyeon Urges, "Protect the Lives of Residents"

A total of 316 new firefighters in Gyeonggi Province have completed 21 weeks of training and have taken their first steps as firefighters.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters held the appointment ceremony for new firefighters at the Gyeonggi Arts Center on the 19th.

More than 1,500 people attended the ceremony, including newly appointed firefighters and their families, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon, Choi Yongcheol, Acting Head of the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters, Lim Sangoh, Chairperson of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council's Safety and Administrative Committee, as well as other provincial council members.

In his congratulatory remarks, Governor Kim Dongyeon said, "I sincerely congratulate the 79th class of firefighters on your new beginning, together with the 14.2 million residents of Gyeonggi Province," and added, "After completing over five months of intensive group training, today you have become proud members of the Gyeonggi firefighting family."

He continued, "The more than 12,000 firefighters in Gyeonggi Province are the public officials most trusted by the 14.2 million residents of the province. I, too, always meet with you, the firefighting family, with deep affection and respect."

He went on to say, "You are the ones who rush to the scene before anyone else in times of disaster and crisis to protect the lives and safety of our residents. From the fire in Yatap-dong, Bundang, the collapse accident on the Shinansan Line in Gwangmyeong, the accidental bombing in Pocheon, to the paramedics who became the last hope for residents during the ongoing medical service gaps from last year to this year, every firefighter in Gyeonggi Province has been a hero to the 14.2 million residents."

Governor Kim requested, "I ask that you continue to be the first to respond to the urgent calls of our residents at countless scenes you will face in the future, and play a vital role in helping rebuild the lives of Gyeonggi residents. Gyeonggi Province will continue to do our utmost to support your responsibility and dedication, as we have done by opening 'Fire Safety Maru,' Korea's first integrated safety experience facility, establishing the northern campus of the Gyeonggi Fire Academy, and holding the first Gyeonggi Fire 119 Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen firefighters at the local government level."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon attends the new firefighter appointment ceremony on the 19th and salutes the firefighters. Provided by Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters

At the ceremony, six trainees, including Firefighter Bae Jihoon, representative of the 79th class, received the Governor's Award, while four, including Firefighter Kim Minji, received the Provincial Council Chairperson's Award. The trainees then sequentially received their appointment certificates and rank insignias on stage, followed by the oath of appointment.

The new firefighters will be assigned to 36 fire stations across the province as of December 31, where they will carry out field duties such as firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services.

This 79th class of new firefighters drew attention for its diverse backgrounds. Firefighter Choi Minseong chose to become a firefighter following in the footsteps of his father, who died in the line of duty after battling cancer while on duty.

His father, Senior Fire Sergeant Choi Jonggu, dedicated his career as a firefighter in Gyeonggi Province and was laid to rest at the National Daejeon Cemetery in 2019. Firefighter Lee Juneun, a former nurse, also served as a representative boxer for Gyeonggi Province for two years.

Firefighters Jo Yewon and Park Kibum, both 19 years old, became the youngest members of this class, while Firefighter Kang Dongwon, at 41 years old, was recognized as the oldest member of the class.