Outstanding firemen cited

The Special Rescue Unit and the Medical, Dental and Emergency Service of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will be cited at this year’s observance of the BFP foundation anniversary to be held at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow at Union Square Condominium on 15th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. will be the main speaker at the rites that mark the 11th year of the nation’s fire service.

Also to be cited are the Caloocan Fire Station and eight firemen, who will each be presented a certificate of recognition by Lina, to be assisted by BFP chief Francisco Senot.

Thirteen BFP retirees will likewise be cited for their contributions to the bureau and will be presented with certificate of recognition.

Senot said this year’s theme of the anniversary celebration "Kaligtasan at kaalaman sa sunog, susi sa pag-unlad at katatagan sa ekonomiya ng bayan" underscores once again the important role of the nation’s fire service in protecting human lives and property.

He said BFP contributes to the development of the national economy by carrying out its mandate, citing the disastrous effects of fire in terms of losses to human lives and property.

The BFP chief said the bureau is acquiring more firetrucks and firefighting equipment to make it better equip to prevent fire. He also said BFP has embarked on a year-round fire-prevention campaign nationwide involving citizens’ participation.