On the occasion of the International Firefighters’ Day today, May 4, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) has thanked its officers for their loyalty, dedication and sacrifice.

A message from the chief fire officer Albert Rose to the officers reads:

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society is one of dedication of their lives to the protection of life and property. They commit and sacrifice in the form of countless hours over many selfless years. In all cases and incidents, they risk the ultimate sacrifice of their life.

“The SFRSA recognises its officers today on their day and wishes them the best in the journey as a firefighter in the Agency. We wish to thank them for their loyalty, dedication and sacrifice.”

Due to restrictions imposed by the department of health because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SFRSA is not organising any activities to commemorate the International Firefighters’ Day this year. However, at noon today, the fire sirens will sound for 30 seconds followed by a minute’s silence in memory of, and respect for, all firefighters who have been lost in the line of duty or passed on before us. This is known as the “Sound Off”.

May 4 has been recognised in many European countries for centuries as Firefighters’ Day because of Saint Florian. According to legend, Saint Florian was able to save an entire burning village in ancient Rome with just a single bucket of water. Saint Florian (Patron Saint of firefighters) is now known today as the defender of those who come in danger of fire.

The Day did not spread worldwide though until the death of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a wildfire in Victoria, Australia on January 4, 1999. Today the International Firefighters’ Day is observed on May 4 all over the world.

The International Firefighters’ Day is the day to celebrate and appreciate the hard work of the firefighters as well as to honour and recognise the bravery, courage, determination and sacrifices that fire fighters make to ensure that the communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day to thank the current and past firefighters for their invaluable contributions and to remember those who have died while serving the community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of the people.

The red and blue ribbon is the most significant symbols of the International Firefighters’ Day. The colour red represents the element of fire and blue represents water. Coincidently, red and blue are also the colours recognised worldwide to signify emergency services.