Putting residents’ lives before his own

Selfless men and women wake up daily, sacrificing their own lives for the safety of entire communities. Thabo Komana, a firefighter based in Ivory Park, is one such man.

This 29-year-old started serving the community on a voluntary bases for three years without pay.

“My job now entails saving lives, property and stabilising the environment,” said this community hero.

He said when he started out it was difficult, as he was traumatised by what he saw on a daily basis – especially at accident scenes.

“There was a fear of having to enter buildings that are burning – it was scary. What kept me going was the thought that I have to save that person’s life. I put their lives first before mine,” said Thabo.

Thabo has been a firefighter for seven years.

He attend Thuto Kematla Comprehensive Secondary School.

“I was professionally trained for this job in Pretoria,” Thabo said.

He urged youngsters to volunteer at the local fire stations as this provides experience and prepares you for a careeer as a firefighter.

The Emergency Management Services employee, who is permanently posted to the Ivory Park Fire Station, said he has saved many lives to date.

“We deal a lot with shack fires, accidents, maternity cases and assaults,” he said.

“It is a difficult job. People say negative things about the EMS because they don’t understand the pressure that comes with this job, but I am proud of what I do,” he said.