Firefighting Heroes reunited in their honour
Retired, former and long-serving firefighters were honoured on Friday for their service and commitment to the industry
Tribute was paid to retired, former and long-serving firefighters at the Firefighters Reunion Ceremony on Friday, November 06 at Sherwood in Durban.
The aim of this annual event by the eThekwini Municipality is to pay tribute to retired, former, and long-serving firefighters who have committed themselves to the field for years.
Also read: MKP rakes popular vote in Ward 29
Guests were treated to food and live band music. A moment of silence was observed, and a bell was rung in remembrance of the firefighters have have departed and those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Public Safety Executive Director Bheki Mkhize said that the reunion was befitting.
“This is a heartwarming and moving ceremony to honour the impact made by retired and long-serving firefighters in protecting communities.
“We have experienced many disasters and fire-related incidents, yet you do not deter. You are always at the frontline of community protection,” said Mkhize.
He further commended the foundation laid by generations of firefighters.
“The passion and risks you take to save lives and to always be available when disaster and emergency strike is commendable,” he said.
Also read: Crocheting fanatic finds process relaxing
According to retired firefighter Lucky Langaza, 54, who had been in the industry for 23 years, he was happy to be a part of this celebration.
Langaza said that he decided to join the industry out of passion, love for people, and helping society.
“I received a lot of support back at home when I told them that this was what I wanted to do.
“I am someone who loves to help people so it made sense for me,” he said.
Langaza advised the youth to join this industry out of passion and love for it.
“You need to get rid of fear because we encounter many challenges in this industry, such as the death of people,” he added.
Another retiree, Gladstone Gcabashe who had been in the field for 30 years, said that he decided to join the industry after he sustained a burn injury on his arm when he was nine years old.
“There was no one to assist me so when I learned of these services when I was older, I left a job that I had been working at for eleven years and joined the fire fighters,” he said.
Gcabashe said that he would encourage the youth to join this industry.
“This job requires plenty of discipline, so, many young people would become disciplined individuals and perhaps we could see a decline in the many issues that plague society,” he added.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
