The Controller General, CG, Federal Fire Service, FFS, Dr. Liman Alhaji Ibrahim, while felicitating with all firefighters in Nigeria and around the world on this year’s International Firefighters’ day, IFFD, has called on citizens to imbibe the attitude of appreciating and supporting firefighters for the sacrifices they make in saving lives and property during emergencies.
According to a statement issued today by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, PRO, SF Ugo Huan, the Controller General, who is saddened by the attitude of some citizens who are fond of attacking firefighters at fire scenes, used the occasion of this year’s International Firefighters’ Day to call on citizens to desist from the constant attack of firefighters and the destruction of fire trucks at fire scenes, adding that such display is not encouraging to firefighters who risk their own lives to save others’ lives and property.
IFFD is observed on May 4th and was instituted after a proposal was emailed across the world on January 4th, 1999, following the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire in Australia.
JJ Edmondson was inspired by the unfortunate incident to bring about an international holiday, called International Firefighters’ Day, to support the lives lost, and dedicated fire fighters who risk their lives every day while saving lives and property.
The CG specially eulogized the fallen heroes; firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, and prayed that God will continue to grant them eternal rest and give their loved ones, the fortitude to bear the loss.
While they might be no more, Dr. Ibrahim said, they remain alive in the hearts of those they sacrificed their lives for.
The Fire Service Chief further used the occasion of the IFFD to appreciate all Nigerian firefighters at all levels, both serving and retired, for all their sacrifices in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
