Remember the sacrifices of service personnel during the festive season
With 33 years of service behind him, David Steyn from Search and Rescue says working during Christmas is normal for him, but he affirms the importance of his job and his commitment as a service member.
THE festive season is often a time when most families get to spend time and reconnect, but for most service members, the festive season is their busiest time. For them, having more time to be around family is not possible. Many service men and service women spend Christmas at work, and although this is part of their job, we should still take the time to celebrate and appreciate all the men and women in uniform.
With 33 years of service behind him, David Steyn says working during Christmas has become a normality for him, and he affirms the importance of his job and his commitment as a service member. Steyn works for the Police Emergency Services under the Search and Rescue Unit.
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He says the greatest satisfaction of his job is being of service to others and being able to help them in their time of great need. And, just like the other years, Steyn and colleagues will be working during Christmas, and he says their most important mandate is keeping the communities safe.
“We will make sure that the community is safe and encourage safe behaviour in and around the dams, rivers and beaches. And, hopefully, get to share Christmas lunch with our colleagues if we’re not too busy,” added Steyn.
As a Search and Rescue member, Steyn says they always do their best to help and save people in time, but in circumstances where that is not possible, being able to give families closure, by giving them the remains of their lost loved one, is always just as important.
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“Protecting the most vulnerable people in the community and bringing closure to bereaved families who have lost loved ones is a big part of our job,” said Steyn. Steyn wishes all other service members a Merry Christmas and says, “Have an attitude of gratitude and share goodwill with everyone you come into contact with. Safely celebrate the festive season, and remember those who are less fortunate.”
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