Firefighters rewarded for selfless heroism

When we were young, most of us either wanted to become policemen or firefighters, and while many children outgrow their heroic dreams, others pursue theirs and become saviours of those in distress.

The South African Emergency Service Institute (SAESI) can proudly say that they have trained the majority of South Africa’s leading professional firefighters, and with their new firefighter training house in Monument, Krugersdorp they have expanded their reach into the heart of the West Rand.

The house, situated in Jorrisson Street, Monument was officially opened on Friday, 24 February when D Padayachee, president of SAESI, and his fellow directors cut the ribbon in front of the brand new house.

Chaplain Berry, and her colleague anointed the house, whereafter members could finally enter and explore the interior of the building.

The group of assorted guests paid tribute to firefighters who lost their lives while saving others by laying wreaths in front of a special piece of artwork that reads ‘Dedicated to those who fell, and those who carry on’.

Firefighters who achieved prestigious scores in their final exams were awarded with trophies and certificates during the ceremony.

SAESI also gave three cheques, each to the value of R5 000 to their social responsibility beneficiaries. One of them was Children of Fire, an organisation that takes care of burn victims who survived fires. One of the burn victims gave a heartwarming speech, telling the crowd about the thoughts she had while one of the firefighters pulled her from the flames a few years earlier. Her face carries the markers of how destructive fire can be.

K9 Search and Rescue was also rewarded with a cheque. The recipient expressed her awe for the profession and said they cannot express the privilege they feel to be able to work with heroic firefighters.

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