The National Fire Agency held the 19th "Hero Firefighter" awards on the 11th with S-Oil and the Korea National Council on Social Welfare. On this day, eight hero firefighters who saved lives at different disaster scenes received plaques, cash prizes, and commendations from the commissioner of the National Fire Agency.
As the top hero firefighter, Senior Fire Sergeant Ryu Yeong-cheol of the Cheongsong Fire Station in North Gyeongsang Province was selected and received a 20 million won reward and a commendation from the commissioner of the National Fire Agency.
In June this year, Ryu rescued a mother and daughter who were stranded in the middle of a river due to torrential rain in Cheongsong County. Ryu was also highly recognized for contributing at the front line of the operation to defend against an extra-large wildfire in North Gyeongsang, minimizing damage to cultural properties and aiding in the rescue of people.
▲ Fire Lieutenant Kang Ha-yeong (Gangwon 119 Special Response Unit) ▲ Fire Captain Mun Deok-gi (Samcheok Fire Station in Gangwon) ▲ Senior Fire Sergeant Seo Mun-gyo (Seoulju Fire Station in Ulsan) ▲ Fire Lieutenant Lee Gi-pyeong (National Fire Agency Capital Area 119 Special Rescue Unit) ▲ Fire Lieutenant Lim Geon-taek (Gyeonggi 119 Special Response Unit) ▲ Fire Captain Cha Byeong-gu (Gwangju 119 Special Response Unit) ▲ Fire Lieutenant Cheon Yeong-min (South Jeolla 119 Special Response Unit) and seven other hero firefighters each received a 10 million won prize and a commendation from the commissioner of the National Fire Agency.
Acting Commissioner Kim Seung-ryong said, "The courageous actions of hero firefighters are a vital force in protecting public safety," adding, "The National Fire Agency will continue to honor righteous actions and create an environment where they are respected."