The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 22nd that, following government personnel changes, Hong Young-geun, 59, a Fire Senior Commissioner, has taken office as the new head of the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters.
Hong entered public service in 1997 as a member of the 9th class of fire officer candidates. He later served as head of education and training at the National Fire Service Academy, head of the hazardous materials response investigation division at the National Fire Agency, Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters Deputy Minister, innovation and administrative legal affairs officer at the National Fire Agency, director of equipment technology at the National Fire Agency, Director General for Planning and Coordination at the National Fire Agency, Jeollanam-do Fire Headquarters Deputy Minister, and director of fire prevention at the National Fire Agency.
On this day, Hong received briefings on major pending issues at the Fire and Disaster Headquarters and visited Gwangjang Market in Jongno District to focus on inspecting fire prevention measures.
During the on-site inspection, Hong said, "I hope you will do your utmost to ensure there is not the slightest lapse in advancing fire prevention measures so that citizens can spend the Chuseok holiday with peace of mind," adding, "Please maintain a thorough dispatch posture so you can respond swiftly to all types of disasters, including fires, rescues, and emergency medical calls, that may occur unexpectedly."
He went on to say, "Let us always keep in mind the noble duty of safeguarding citizens' safety and, so we can fully carry out our responsibilities, work together with trust and cooperation among all members of the Seoul Fire Service."