Firefighters’ Day: 275 Fallen Firefighters Remembered ... “So the Same Sacrifice Is Not Repeated”

[Financial News] On the 9th, the 64th anniversary of Firefighters’ Day, the name of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died while on duty in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, last month, was inscribed in the National Fire Agency’s memorial space. This brought the total number of memorial plaques honoring fallen firefighters and volunteer firefighters housed there to 275.
The National Fire Agency held a ceremony that day to remember colleagues who died in the line of duty, reaffirm its commitment to safety in the field, and honor the dedication of firefighters who have protected the public’s lives.
The agency held a dedication ceremony for Kim’s memorial plaque that day in the memorial space for fallen firefighters on the first floor of its headquarters. Kim died while on duty in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the 17th of last October.
After National Fire Agency Commissioner Choi Yong-cheol dedicated Kim’s memorial plaque, Interior and Safety Minister Yun Ho-jung attached Hwahong, a red flower-shaped metal emblem, to the plaque. Made from stainless steel and material from discarded fire hose nozzles that had been used at disaster sites, Hwahong symbolizes the sacrifice of fallen firefighters and the value of life.
The National Fire Agency’s memorial space houses plaques honoring firefighters and volunteer firefighters who have died at disaster sites since 1945.
“South Korea will never forget the sacrifice of each of the 275 people honored here, including the four who passed away this year,” Minister Yun said. “We will do our utmost to ensure that fallen firefighters receive the respect they deserve and that their families are supported, and we will work even harder to protect firefighters’ safety so that tragic losses are not repeated in the field.”
Commissioner Choi stressed, “The greatest way to honor colleagues who died in the line of duty is to remember their sacrifice and make the firefighting field safer so that the same sacrifice is not repeated.”

A ceremony marking the 64th anniversary of Firefighters’ Day was held at the Sejong Arts Center that same day. Calligraphy created from the handwriting of the late Fire Superintendent Seong Chi-in, Fire Captain Park Seung-won, and Senior Firefighter Noh Tae-young was unveiled at the ceremony. A video showing firefighters’ training and their work at disaster scenes was also screened. In his commemorative address, Commissioner Choi said, “Protecting the public’s ordinary daily lives is the clearest reason the fire service exists,” and emphasized the 119 spirit of honor, trust, and dedication.
The event also featured a message of thanks from a family whose triplets were safely delivered with help from 119. In March, Kim, identified only by the surname, experienced an emergency in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, at 32 weeks of pregnancy after a suspected premature rupture of membranes, and called 119 for help. With firefighters’ assistance, Kim was transported by fire service helicopter to a hospital in Seoul and later gave birth to triplets. In a video message featuring Kim, their spouse, and their triplet children, Kim thanked the firefighters who responded at the time.
Government awards were also presented to people recognized for their contributions to firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services, and fire administration. National Fire Agency Fire Marshal Kim Jae-hong received a medal, while Kim Eun-hyeon, head of the Andong Fire Station’s male volunteer fire brigade, received a decoration. Fire Sergeant Jang Jin-sik of the Anseong Fire Station and the Yeosu Fire Station received Presidential Commendations.
About 40 people who attended the ceremony, including field commanders and firefighters involved in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services, pledged through a field-safety declaration to establish a command structure at disaster scenes and ensure the safety of personnel.
After the dedication ceremony, Minister Yun visited the National Fire Agency’s 119 Comprehensive Situation Room to inspect the nationwide disaster-management system and encourage staff on duty.
[email protected] Lee Bomi Reporter