Firemen cite colleagues for heroism

Firemen paid tribute Friday to the courage and heroism of their fallen comrades who perished in a fire at the Meralco Rockwell Power Plant in Bel-Air, Makati City Friday.

Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Francisco Senot led this year’s celebration in giving recognition to the Makati City firemen for their heroic deed during the 28th Fire Service Recognition Day held at the premises of the Philippine Public Safety College in Makati City. Proclamation No. 1312 declares Dec. 14 as Fire Service Recognition Day. The morning affair also paid tribute to the courage and heroism of more than 300 firemen from the New York City Fire Department who perished while attempting to save the lives of those who were trapped during the Sept. 11 bombing of the World Trade Center.

Senot said this year’s affair honoring both Filipino and American firemen is in recognition of their gallantry under the terror of fire that bonds all firemen around the globe. He said firemen are also united by their common mission of saving the lives of their fellowmen. Among those who helped in the preparation of the recognition day were Dr. Rodolfo John Teope, BFP national consultant, and Chief Inspector Ruben Morales, chief of the bureau’s public information service.

Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Peace and Order Wencelito Andanar, who represented Secretary Jose Lina Jr., cited the heroic deeds of Filipino firemen and their American counterparts. He also said giving their lives to save the lives of others is the best gift to humanity.

Andanar said Lina has vowed to improve the services of the BFP. He disclosed the approval by a technical committee for the purchase of firetrucks from Japan.