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The Bono East Regional Fire Command has climaxed this year’s International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) with a celebratory ceremony at its headquarters in Techiman, aimed at honoring fallen heroes and recognizing outstanding officers for their service.
The event brought together officers, community members, and stakeholders who joined in celebrating the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of firefighters in the Bono East Region and across the country.
The week-long program, which began on April 29, featured a variety of activities designed to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters, while also educating the public on fire safety and prevention. The celebration culminated on Monday, May 5, as May 4, the official date for IFFD fell on a Sunday this year.
International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4 every year, and it honors the bravery, sacrifice, and service of firefighters around the world. The event was established in 1999 after a tragic accident in the United States, which claimed the lives of five firefighters who died in the line of duty.
These fallen heroes were: Firefighter John M. Vance, Firefighter Larry M. Green, Firefighter Jeffrey M. Pappas, Firefighter William M. Silva, and Firefighter Robert D. Sanders
To remember these fallen heroes and show appreciation for the dedicated men and women who risk their lives to protect communities, IFFD serves as a day of reflection, respect, and recognition.
In an interview with media, the Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Rev. Naomi Adubea Ofori Sarpong, explained the significance of the event and the activities that took place throughout the week.
“We celebrate International Firefighters’ Day on May 4 each year. However, since this year’s date fell on a Sunday, we decided to climax the celebrations today. It has been a week-long program, starting on April 29, during which we lowered our flags to honor the five firefighters who died in the line of duty,” she said.
According to her, in addition to the flag-lowering ceremony, the command organized fire prevention sensitization programs, a public float, friendly games on Wednesday, and a quiz competition on Friday, all of which served both educational and commemorative purposes
As part of the celebration, five exceptional officers were awarded for their outstanding service during the year under review. The command also laid commemorative coins in remembrance of the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“In addition to that, we held several fire prevention sensitization programs. On Wednesday, we organized friendly games, and on Friday, we conducted a quiz following a successful float — all in memory of our fallen heroes and to educate the public on fire safety practices.
“We also recognized five outstanding officers who demonstrated exceptional performance during the year under review. Additionally, we laid commemorative coins in honor of our fallen heroes.” She stated.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme: “Appreciate Our Heroes, Say No to Fire Assaults and Fire Truck Vandalism.”
ACFO Rev. Naomi Adubea Ofori Sarpong explained that the theme reinforces the importance of recognizing the contributions of firefighters while discouraging acts of violence and obstruction against them during emergency responses.
“Unfortunately, it has become common for our officers to face hostility while responding to emergencies. This is a deeply troubling practice. Through this year’s celebration, we appeal to the public to respect the firefighting profession and refrain from such actions.” She said.
She also used the platform to urge the general public to remain vigilant and adhere to basic safety practices to prevent fire outbreaks and other emergencies, while continuing to support the work of the Ghana National Fire Service.
Source: Ghanaweb.mobi
