Today we honour the Firefighter. 

The history of the firefighter began in ancient Rome while under the rule of Augustus in the 3rd Century. Prior to that, there is evidence of fire-fighting in use in Ancient Egypt.

Men and women have been putting their lives on the line to fight a common enemy. Unpredictable and unprejudiced, fire can, and has destroyed communities and ripped through forests. 

Born out of a tragic loss of five firefighters in a wildfire in Victoria, Australia, International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) is a time where the world’s community can recognize and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.

Fire Chief for the Town of Okotoks, Trevor Brice tells us today is more than just International Firefighters’ Day.

You will see crews and supporters wear a piece of red and a piece of blue ribbon pinned together at the top (blue over red).
The IFFD ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water. These colours also are internationally recognized as representing emergency service.

 

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society – be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defence force, aviation, motorsport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice – no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service, we fight together against one common enemy – fire – no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”
– Lt JJ Edmondson, 1999