The 63rd Fire Service Day

Dear beloved and proud members 

of the Incheon Fire Services family, Warm greetings to you all.

I sincerely congratulate you on the 63rd Fire Service Day. 

I extend my gratitude to Chairman Jeong Hae-gwon, 

Superintendent Do Seong-hoon, Assemblyman Chung Il-young, 

and all distinguished guests who have joined us for this meaningful occasion. 

Above all, I would like to thank the more than 3,400 fire officers, 

3,300 volunteer firefighters, and all the citizens present here today.

Thanks to your efforts, Incheon continues to 

grow into a safe and happy city for its citizens. 

Let me take this opportunity to express 

my sincere appreciation for your dedication. 

There is something even more commendable 

about Incheon’s fire service—its historical significance.

It was 130 years ago that a civilian fire brigade was first formed in Incheon, 

marking the beginning of fire services in the Republic of Korea. 

Incheon was the first in the country to install a fire watchtower 

in Incheon Jayu Park and to open the first fire station during the Joseon era.

While Incheon holds the distinction 

of many “firsts” across different sectors, 

we take particular pride in the fact 

that firefighting in the Republic of Korea began here. 

Thanks to your dedication on the frontlines, 

Incheon continues to achieve remarkable progress.

Incheon was the first city in Asia to be designated a Smart City 

for Disaster Risk Reduction by the United Nations Office

 for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). 

Just last week in Bogotá, Colombia, 

it received the UN Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, 

gaining international recognition. 

Among 85 global metropolitan cities, 

Incheon was recognized as a safe and sustainable global city. 

All of these achievements were founded on the core principle of citizen safety.

Incheon is the only major city in the country with a growing population. 

We rank first nationwide in both birthrate growth and economic growth rate. 

These accomplishments all stem from a foundation of local safety. 

I am proud of each and every one of you and deeply thankful once again.

I have a special bond with the fire service. 

My public service career began at the Firefighting Bureau 

of the Civil Defense Headquarters under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

I continued to work with the fire service 

during my tenure as the Minister of the Interior and Safety. 

Even now, as Mayor of Incheon, 

I continue to work closely with the fire department. 

You are family to me. 

It is my responsibility to protect those who protect the lives 

and property of our citizens and to ensure 

that you work in the best possible working conditions. 

That’s why we are steadily identifying 

and implementing improvements and infrastructure. 

We are enhancing equipment and facilities by commissioning new fireboats, 

deploying low-floor fire engines, and introducing a robotic smoke exhaust system. 

Most importantly, we are working to improve your working conditions and benefits.

In celebration of Fire Service Day, all 3,400 fire officers 

will be granted a one-day special leave during the month of November.

But are there only fire officers? Under the leadership of Chief Lim Won-seok, 

the team operates with seamless coordination, 

and led by Presidents Lee Kyung-jong and Seong Kyung-hee, 

the 3,300 volunteer firefighters are united in their commitment to local safety. 

As there has been no dedicated organization to support volunteer firefighters, 

we will establish a Volunteer Firefighter Operations Team within the Fire Headquarters.

As mayor, I will fulfill my responsibilities to ensure

that Incheon’s proud fire service can continue to serve our citizens, 

communities, and the nation with confidence and dignity. 

As members of the fire service family, 

I hope you will continue to serve on the frontlines 

with pride and dedication to our fellow citizens and community.

Even at this very moment, many members of 

our fire service family are working hard on the ground. 

To them, I offer renewed encouragement and heartfelt thanks. 

Congratulations on the 63rd Fire Service Day. Please stay strong. 

I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Thank you.