International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year on 4th May. On this date we pause to pay tribute to firefighters worldwide, present and past, who brave the dangers in order to save lives and property and protect the environment.
It is also a day on which we highlight fire awareness and promote firefighting as a volunteering or career choice.
May 4th was celebrated for many centuries in European countries as Firefighters Day because of Saint Florian, who according to legend, was able to save an entire burning village in ancient Rome with just a single bucket of water. However, this observance did not spread worldwide until a tragic wildfire in Australia took the lives of five firefighters on January 4, 1999. Consequently, firefighter JJ Edmondson sent out an email proposing an International Firefighters Day to be recognized throughout the world.
Today, St. Florian is known as the defender of those who face the danger of fire and is the Patron Saint of Firefighters.
The Ministry of Home Affairs takes this opportunity to salute all volunteer and full time firefighters in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
We hope that this day will bring to the fore the recognition that firefighters so richly deserve and serve to highlight the sterling duties they perform to keep this country safe from fire and to keep international and interisland air transport operating.
As you go about your day today, please take a moment to stop and thank a firefighter or their family for the dedication and sacrifice that they continue to make to this county. If you’re a firefighter take time to thank a fellow firefighter or one or more of your mentors.
Despite the challenges faced by the Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue Service, it continues, through its team of full time and volunteer firefighters, to provide:
- Aerodrome fire coverage at the five airports
- Domestic Fire and Rescue services throughout the country and
- Fire Safety and Prevention Education
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety said:
“It is good that there is a day set aside internationally to recognise fighters. In addition to this, the Ministry has also recently instituted a process of recognition to highlight their bravery and performance under challenging circumstances. We hope that these events will serve to highlight the work of this noble profession.
Today, we in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety, on behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos, wish all firefighters a happy International Firefighters Day.”
