The critical role played by firefighters as first responders in times of natural and man-made disasters was duly acknowledged yesterday.

The occasion was the local celebration of Firefighters Day, which started with a parade involving schools and members of the community from in front of the Apia Fire Station towards the government building.

There, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, thanked the firefighters for their contribution to Samoa.

He added that being a firefighter is a risky job and many lives have been lost in other countries on the job.

“Today is the day that the government wishes to say thanks for all the good work that you have done in the past years, especially the incident on the Matautu Wharf last month,” said Prime Minister.  Tuilaepa acknowledged that local firefighters punch above their weight given the inadequate equipment they have to work with.

The Minister of Police and Prisons, Sala Fata Pinati, joined Tuilaepa in thanking firefighters. The Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A), Lelevaga Faafouina Mupo, said days like yesterday was an opportunity to reflect and re-evaluate. He assured Samoa they exist to do whatever they can to protect lives and properties.