Courageous fallen firefighters remembered

Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis today paid tribute to the courage and commitment of Western Australia’s firefighters while marking International Firefighters’ Day at a memorial service in Kings Park.

Francis said the day was an opportunity to pause, acknowledge and commemorate the legacy of firefighters who had lost their lives while serving the community.

“As we remember firefighters who have paid the ultimate price for their service, I want to acknowledge and pay respect to all firefighters and their families,” he said.

“Our state is very grateful to have firefighters on the front line, who turn out without hesitation when the community most needs them, in conditions that are often extremely dangerous.”

The minister joined Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Wayne Gregson and other dignitaries in laying wreaths during a service held today at the Firefighters’ Memorial Grove in Kings Park. It was the first memorial service marking the day to be held in WA.

Francis said the state government was committed to the health and safety of firefighters, as well as ensuring fire and emergency services were adequately resourced to protect local communities.

“These brave men and women put their lives at risk and tragically, despite their specialist skills and training, lives have been lost,” he said.

“The welfare of firefighters is a government priority and we will continue to do all we can to improve the safety and protection of WA’s firefighters.”

International Firefighters’ Day was instituted after the deaths of five firefighters during a bushfire in Victoria in December 1999 It is observed each year on 4 May, with the WA service held today. A piece of red and a piece of blue ribbon pinned together is the symbol of the day.