The Bestian Foundation noted that it held the '8th S.A.V.E. Heroes Award Ceremony' to support firefighters dedicated at disaster sites on the 13th.
This award ceremony is based on the S.A.V.E. campaign, which began in November 2017 through a memorandum of understanding between the Fire Department and the Bestian Foundation. The S.A.V.E. campaign stands for 'S' Superheroes, 'A' Attract, 'V' Valuable, 'E' Energies, meaning 'superheroes gather valuable energies.'
The 8th S.A.V.E. campaign, which has been ongoing since the second half of last year, was conducted by showcasing the family photos of six teams (10 people) selected from a contest for active firefighters in a calendar through public funding. Through participation from various corporations, organizations, and individuals in the campaign, a fund of over 14 million won was raised, which will be used equally for supporting family travel expenses for firefighters and treatment costs for low-income burn patients.
During the award ceremony, commendations and family healing support funds raised from the S.A.V.E. campaign were awarded to seven firefighters who dedicated themselves to the safety and lives of citizens by rescuing them in emergencies while off duty or conducting rescue operations and commands at large fire sites.
The recipients included firefighter Kim Joo-shin (Busan Gangseo Fire Station), officer Seo Dong-soo (Busan Haeundae Fire Station), officer Song Dong-seok (Busan Geumjeong Fire Station), officer Jin Seong-deok (Daejeon Western Fire Station), firefighter Lee Je-woon (Gyeonggi Northern Special Response Unit), officer Yoo Min-ju (Chungbuk Fire Administration), and officer Jeong Mun-soo (Jeonnam Mokpo Fire Station).
Thank-you plaques, albums, and dining gift certificates were also presented to the six teams (10 people) of firefighters who participated as models for the S.A.V.E. campaign, and 50% of the campaign fund intended for treating low-income burn patients was donated to the Sunflower Group, a self-help community for burn victims.
Kim Kyung-sik, chairman of the Bestian Foundation, said, 'I deeply thank all the S.A.V.E. Heroes Award recipients who have silently fulfilled their mission to protect the lives of citizens,' and added, 'The Bestian Foundation will continue to be the most reliable partner for firefighters dedicated at the front lines and will maintain solidarity to protect public safety and lives.'
The Bestian Foundation was established based on the Bestian Hospital, designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which operates in Seoul, Cheongju, and Busan. It has supported low-income burn patients with medical and living expenses. The foundation also conducts safety education on burn prevention for preschool children, vulnerable elderly individuals, and related personnel.