The National Fire Agency on the 26th held the "31st class fire officer cadets graduation and appointment ceremony" at the main auditorium of the Central Fire Service Academy in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. About 150 people, including guests and family members, attended to congratulate the 31 newly appointed fire lieutenants (27 men, 4 women).
The new fire lieutenants entered the academy in Mar. last year and completed a year of intensive disaster response tactical training, including firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services. As of the day, they are appointed as fire lieutenants and assigned to fire headquarters in 17 cities and provinces nationwide.
Fire Lieutenant Choi Yoon-jae (28), who achieved the highest score, received the President's Award. Choi said, "I am honored to receive a big award on such a meaningful day," adding, "I will become a guardian of safety who takes responsibility for the people's safety with a sense of duty as a firefighter."
▲ Prime Minister's Award: Fire Lieutenant Ha Seung-jin (34) ▲ Minister of the Interior and Safety Award: Fire Lieutenant Seok Dong-hwan (27) ▲ National Fire Agency Commissioner's Award: Fire Lieutenant Kim Su-yeon (31) ▲ Central Fire Service Academy Superintendent's Award: Fire Lieutenant Kim Hyeong-seok (27). Each received the joy of winning an award.
Fire Lieutenants Yoon Seong-min (28) and Seon Hyeon-guk (29), who have led by example and shown exemplary conduct, received commendations from the superintendent of the Central Fire Service Academy.
There are also father-son and father-daughter firefighters appointed to follow in their fathers' footsteps: Fire Lieutenant Joo Jae-woo and Fire Lieutenant Lee Ji-jeong. Joo said, "I am proud and honored to become a firefighter following my father." Lee also said, "It is an honor to walk the path my father has taken all his life, and I will become a responsible firefighter so as not to disgrace that honor."
Fire Lieutenant Kim Dong-jun was reappointed after working as a firefighter at the North Jeolla Fire Headquarters. Kim said, "Based on my on-duty experience, I will carry out proactive administration that stands out in the field."
The fire officer cadet system began with the first class selected in 1977 and has produced a total of 1,139 officers through the 31st class this year. From the 1st to the 16th classes it was conducted every other year, but since the 17th class in 2011, selections have been made annually.
The 30 final successful applicants (26 men, 4 women) for the next 32nd class of fire officer cadets will enter the Central Fire Service Academy on the 30th.