Governor Park Soo-hyun: “Establishment of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Division in January next year, introduction of firefighting robots and artificial intelligence patrol drones” 

The Chungnam Fire Headquarters has pledged to do its utmost to provide residents with South Korea’s highest-level safety services.

The Chungnam Fire Headquarters held the “64th Fire Day Commemorative Ceremony” on the 6th at the provincial government conference room, with some 200 people in attendance, including Governor Park Soo-hyun, Acting Head of the Chungnam Fire Headquarters Baek Seung-doo, firefighting personnel, and volunteer firefighters.

Designed to encourage fire families and boost their pride, the event proceeded in the order of watching a Fire Day video, appointing honorary firefighters, awarding contributors, and presenting encouragement gifts.

First, after watching the Fire Day video, attendees looked back on past achievements—such as ranking first nationwide in the comprehensive fire policy evaluation for five consecutive years, opening the non-capital region’s first fire forensic analysis center, and launching the “Gachigayu 119” initiative—and resolved to build a safer Chungnam.

Jung Hae-woong, head of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation’s Chungnam-Sejong Headquarters, and Oh Ju-hyun, head of NH Nonghyup Bank’s Chungnam Headquarters, were appointed as honorary firefighters, and their future activities were cheered on.

Next, in the merit awards ceremony, honors were presented to 14 individuals who contributed to fire development and resident safety, including one Order of Service Merit (Geunjeong Pojang), four Presidential Commendations, four Prime Minister’s Commendations, and five Provincial Governor Commendations.

At the venue, Governor Park Soo-hyun delivered 230 bags of rice (20 kg each) to a representative of the firefighting personnel, encouraging and expressing gratitude to the firefighting personnel and volunteer firefighters who dedicate themselves day and night for the safety of residents.

Governor Park emphasized, “I thank the some 4,000 firefighting personnel and 10,000 volunteer firefighters who have responded to each and every one of the 1,600 reports per day. As shown by ranking first nationwide in the comprehensive fire policy evaluation for five consecutive years, I can assert that Chungnam Fire’s response capability is the best in South Korea.”

He continued, “Firefighters are heroes in uniform, but no matter how exceptional a hero is, they cannot guard the scene empty-handed,” promising full support for the fire service.

As major supports, he presented plans such as: △ establishing a Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Division in January next year; △ expanding firefighting personnel and equipment; and △ introducing advanced equipment including firefighting robots and artificial intelligence (AI) patrol drones.

Finally, Governor Park said, “Among the Chungnam residents and citizens visiting Chungnam that one firefighter must protect, I must be included. As a resident myself, I thank you, and as the provincial governor who will take responsibility for the safety of firefighters, I will fulfill my role.”

Baek Seung-doo, acting head of the Chungnam Fire Headquarters, stated, “With the trust and support shown to the fire service today as our strength, we will create a Chungnam where residents can enjoy their daily lives with peace of mind.”

Meanwhile, Fire Day is celebrated annually on November 9, symbolizing the fire emergency report number 119, with fire stations across the province holding their own commemorative ceremonies around the 9th.

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