Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) staff joined colleagues around the world on Wednesday to mark International Firefighters Day 2022. 

The ceremony was hosted by the SFESA at the Faleata station to commemorate the International Firefighters Day 2022. The theme for this year’s celebrations was "reminisce with gratitude, moving forward diligently in faith."

Guests at the ceremony included the Associate Minister of the SFESA, Fepuleai Faimata Su’a, SFESA Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, SFESA Board Member, Afamasaga Mataio Sefo, ADRA Samoa Country Director, Su'a Julia Wallwork and the ILO National Coordinator to Samoa, Tomasi Peni.

The program also included the presentation of awards, certificates of appreciation and achievements for top performing SFESA staff and employees.

Fepuleai spoke on behalf of the Government, saying that in recognition of the special day, the Government has moved to mark International Fire Fighters Day 2022 to be part of Samoa's 60th Independence Anniversary celebration. 

“The significance of this event sees our communities come together to celebrate the spirit of service and the unity of our people,” Fepuleai said.

He added that every year on the fourth day of May the International Firefighters Day is marked globally.

“It is a day where firefighters, past and present are recognised and honoured for the commitment and sacrifices they have made to ensure the protection of life and property for the communities they have sworn to protect,” he said.

Fepuleai said that over the years, especially after the events connected to the 9/11 terror attacks in the U.S. in 2001, this event has grown to become an annual event across the globe, where all members of fire services – whether volunteer or career members – can be thanked for their dedicated and selfless contributions to their communities.

“This day commemorates the efforts from its early years 2000 years ago where Patron Saint Florine saved a village using bucket of water," he added.

“This simple act of bravery is now an essential service around the world including Samoa. 

"We see the expansion of the need in communities especially the commitment and sacrifices our firefighters have made, to protect life and property.

“Seven years ago, Cabinet recognised the importance of the work of our emergency responders and supported the SFESA initiative to join global celebrations on this special day.” 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Samoa, the Associate Minister said the country's frontline workers continue to make sacrifices for the safety of the people. 

“The firefighters alone have had their fair share of 44 per cent suffering through COVID-19 during the last two months," he said. “For this year, the Authority is hosting an awards ceremony for its staff to commemorate their efforts and reflect the theme of 'Reminisce with gratitude, moving forward diligently in faith'.

“I do believe, without the guidance and the protection of our heavenly father, SFESA cannot provide a successful service for the community, while the whole world is facing the difficulties of COVID-19.”

SFESA cannot do it alone, according to Fepuleai, who emphasised that it needs the coordinated efforts of all its supporting agencies to ensure the authority delivers the best and most efficient first responding service to the people of Samoa.

“We acknowledge also the support of our development partners who continue to assist with equipment’s and funds to assist with the work on the ground.” 

The SFESA Commissioner also revealed that they are also not without their challenges, as out of their 176 total staff members, over 70 have tested positive for COVID-19.