The officers and men of Federal Fire Service, Oyo State command on Wednesday 4th May, 2022 joined their colleagues in Nigeria and around the globe, to commemorate the International Firefighters’ Day.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Celebrating Heroism: the Firefighters’ Ordeal”.
The event which held at the state command, featured the lowering of the flag at half mast with the appliance siren blaring, a minute silence for the fallen heroes, recitation of the fireman prayer as well as prayers for firefighters and their families.
The Ag. State Commander, SF Oyedepo Moses who had an interactive session with the officers also educated them on what brought about the International Firefighters’ Day.
Speaking on fire emergencies or cases of building collapse, Oyedepo admonished citizens to put a call through on time for prompt response in order to minimise loss of lives and property.
A road walk scheduled as part of the activities marking the event was however cancelled, as a result of a heavy downpour.
Meanwhile, the FFS Controller General (CG), Abdulganiyu Jaji has urged citizens to stop treating firefighters as enemies, but as partners in progress.
He stated this at the ceremony to mark the 2022 International Firefighters Day in Abuja, stating that attacks on firefighters by hoodlums during rescue operations can kill the morale of firefighters and further discourage them from putting their lives on the line to save citizens.
The C-G, while celebrating those who had lost their lives in the line of duty, said that a day like this was solely to celebrate their heroism.
International Firefighters’ Day celebrated May 4, was instituted in 1999, following the death of five firefighters during a wildfire in Austria.
It is a day to recognise and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible.