International Firefighters Day was marked in Western Australia on Monday (4 May), commemorating firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.
The Day is usually commemorated with a ceremony at the Firefighters’ Memorial at Kings Park, however, due to social distancing requirements, an online video tribute was produced instead.
Minister for Emergency Services, Francis Logan said this year’s ceremony was especially poignant with the passing of six firefighters during the Black Summer fires as well as the loss of three American crew members aboard a water-bombing aircraft.
“We hope every time that a firefighter braves a fire they will come back safely, but sadly that does not always occur so we gather together online to commemorate those that gave everything,” Mr Logan said.
“We also celebrate the more than 22,000 career and volunteer firefighters across our vast State who continue to work around the clock to protect lives and homes every day including from bushfires, structure fires, HAZMAT incidents and road crashes.”
He said International Firefighters Day was held to coincide with the feast day of St Florian who is the patron saint of firefighters.
Mr Logan thanked all firefighters and emergency services personnel “who continue to be ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice during these uncertain times”.
