Hope Bridge campaign for better treatment of firefighters surpasses 200,000 signatures

[Financial News] More than 200,000 citizens have signed a petition supporting safer working conditions and better treatment for firefighters.
On the 20th, Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association said the cumulative number of participants in its “I Am a Firefighter” campaign to raise awareness of firefighters had topped 209,000. Anyone can sign the online petition on the Hope Bridge website. Some 5,000 citizens also took part at a promotional booth recently set up on Nodeul Island in Seoul.
Signatories left comments calling for better working conditions, including, “Firefighters’ safety is the safety of us all,” and “They should have institutional support worthy of the title of hero and a safe working environment.”
Through the campaign, Hope Bridge is raising awareness of the difficulties firefighters face, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gaps in treatment for injuries, and inadequate rest facilities.
Hope Bridge is also moving forward with a “Healing Camp for Firefighter Families” in cooperation with the National Fire Agency. It plans to support family-based rest and recovery programs to help firefighters and their families get away from the tensions of disaster scenes and regain psychological and emotional stability.
Meanwhile, Hope Bridge has continued its efforts to improve firefighters’ working conditions by providing wellness rooms at 119 safety centers nationwide. The rest areas are equipped with massage chairs, oxygen generators and audio equipment, and help firefighters recover physically and mentally after responding to calls.
Hope Bridge Secretary-General Shin Hoon said, “We will actively support frontline firefighters so they can be fully protected physically and emotionally and carry out their duties safely.”

[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter