International Fire Fighters’ Day event in the Ashanti Regional Command was opened with an exhibition of working tools and appliances that was setup for the public.
They appreciated the operational functions and challenges of the Service and gained better understanding after successful questioning and answering sessions. Prior to the event the PR Team took to various radio and television stations to create awareness and also invite the general public to come witness and partake in this eventful day.
The exhibition was followed by a parade and a memorial service to honour fallen heroes internationally, nationwide and within the region. Prayers were said for all Officers in active service and the families of those who had lost their loved ones in line of duty.
All personnel and guests wore the IFFD ribbon which was the most significant symbol of the day, blue and red both conjoined at the top with the blue over the red; signifying the use of water (blue) to extinguish fire (red). This simple ribbon was an effective way to show our support for the IFFD.
ACFO I Henry Fatai Giwah, the Regional Fire Commander laid the remembrance coin in honour of all fallen heroes which was followed by a speech on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer (CFO).
He brought to the notice of all how consequential the CFO holds the sacrifices personnel of the Service take to ensure their communities and environments are safe in spite of mob attacks and verbal abuses making reference to the recent mob attack at Nyinahini.
He thanked all personnel in the Region for their immense contributions towards ensuring the safety of the people of Asanteman and encouraged all to continue to have high morale to work tirelessly to always lift high the flag of GNFS.
Fallen heroes were honoured as ‘will your anchor hold’ was solemnly played. At 1159 hours, the buglers sounded the “Taps” as a Commissioned Officers saluted while the Ghana Flag and the GNFS Flag were both hoisted at half mast.
At exactly 1200 hours, the fire engines blared sirens for thirty (30) seconds followed by the minute silence in remembrance of all fallen heroes expecially ADOII Joseph Baidoo of the Agona Swedru Fire Station who lost his life on Saturday, October 02, 2021 when rescuing trapped victims from a well at Gomoa Obuasi.
The Command held a Press soiree with all Media Houses present after the ceremony. They were taken through exactly what happens when a fire call is received at the Control room to the Sound of the alarm or bell to how the personnel mount the appliance to attend to Fire calls and other emergencies.
This section was intended to allow the Press have a feel of how prepared we are to promptly respond to emergencies to go a long way to debunk the cliché of not responding to emergencies on time and also going to scenes without water.
Members of the Public were taken through a typical day in the life of a Firefighter. They were also made to appreciate the risks the Fire Officers go through in order to save lives and properties.
The day was crowned with an interesting volleyball competition between various stations in the metropolis. Winning teams were decorated with awards.
