International Fire-Fighters Day: Stop attacking Firefighters-Rasaq

The Lagos state fire service has called for continued support and cooperation of members of the public, saying that the understanding of the populace is needed for the fire-fighters to effectively discharge their duties to the citizens.

The acting Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Musibau Rasaq  made the appeal on Friday  during the 2018 International Fire Fighters day Celebration rally held simultaneously at Epe, Badagry and Lagos Island.

Rasaq bemoaned the increasing rate of incessant attack on some fire fighters during rescue operations describing it as unnecessary and unpatriotic.

L-R: Corridor Prefect, Eko Akete Junior Secondary School, Sulaiman Fathia; Assistant Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Samson Sule; Principal Eko Akete Junior Secondary School, Mrs OmojolaOlusola; Acting Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Musbau Rasaki; Principal, Eko Akete Junior Secondary School, Segun Faleyimu; Director, Education District iii, Ikoyi, Mrs. Ajayi Ibironke and Odukoya Sultan at the sensitization, School safety advocacy and Rally to celebrate International firefighter’s day in Lagos held at Eko Akete Secondary School, Lagos. Photo: RAPH IMAGES

While saying that the fire-fighters are always acting in the best interest of members of the public, Rasaq said that it is time for Lagosians to join hands with the government to complement its vision for a secure Lagos.

“This year's theme has been chosen because we are advocating for cooperation and support from members of the public to make the works of the fire fighters easier. It is understandable that members of the public can be emotional and sometimes aggressive but in the midst of it they should not prevent the fire-fighters from carrying out their duties”

''Sometimes when firemen respond to fire occurrence, members of the public get aggressive and what we are doing now is that we are seeking support of the general public so that during firefighting operations, the task of saving lives and properties will become easy for the firemen''. Rasaq stated.

Speaking during the rally across the metropolis, the Acting Director of Fire Service said that every 4th of May has been set aside all over the world to further educate the public to empathize with fire fighters and also equip the populace with the knowledge of handling fire outbreak so as to prevent or minimize the loss of lives and properties.

He also added that the day was also meant to honor fire fighters who lost their lives in the course of performing their duties and at the same time to honor those in active service.

He appreciated the governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for his passion for security of lives property, the recruitment of additional 250 men and women into the Lagos State Fire Service and for granting approval for the construction of 4 additional fire stations to make sure that safety delivery gets to the grass roots.

Members, Lagos State Fire service during the sensitization, School safety advocacy and Rally to celebrate International firefighter’s day in Lagos. Photo: RAPH IMAGES