By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 23: Twenty-two retiring Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel were praised for their bravery and selflessness in the line of duty during an appreciation and farewell dinner in Sibu recently.
“Thank you for being so selfless that you do not even think twice when you run into any dangerous situation,” state Bomba director Khirudin Drahman told them during the function which was organised by the department.
He also thanked the retirees’ spouses and children for their understanding towards the nature of their jobs as firefighters.
“Thank you for staying strong with the department. Being a firefighter is not an easy job. There is physical and emotional demands that can take a toll on you.
“Thank you for constantly running towards what others run from, and for your help in saving lives. Thank you for being an important part of the community.”
He added that firefighters, regardless of paid or volunteers, make an incredible difference in the lives of the community.
“A firefighter, whether in service or retired, will never get over the excitement of engines and sirens of danger. He is a person like anyone of us, with wants and worries and unfulfilled dreams, but he puts it all on the line when the bell rings,” Khirudin told DayakDaily.
A firefighter is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate.
“He is a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death. He is a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control. He is responsive to a child’s laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again.
“He is a man who appreciates the simple pleasure of life, with hot coffee held in numb and unbending fingers, a warm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feelings, the camaraderie of brave men and women, the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done. When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade and he lives it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Khirudin also encourage the retirees to keep in touch with the department.
“Please continue to stay active in fire and rescue activities. You can always update yourself with the latest information from other firefighters, whether they are in zones, stations, headquarters or even with the management.”
While golden days mean an easy pace life, he also advised them to continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle and always stick to their principle of ‘one heart, one soul’. — DayakDaily
