International Fire Fighters' Day (IFFD)

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Today, May 4th is the Feast Day of St Florian, the Patron Saint of Firefighters. It is also International Fire Fighters' Day (IFFD).

As we mark this year’s IFFD, let us pay tribute to our firefighters worldwide who brave the dangers in order to save life and property. Let us also remember and offer prayers for those who perished while performing their duty. Let us also remember those who went before us, dedicating their lives through volunteering or work to not only battling fire but also to educating and mentoring the firefighters who followed.

IFFD is a day we can promote fire awareness, we can promote firefighting as a volunteering or career choice and one on which we can show our support of firefighters by wearing the IFFD symbol (blue and red ribbons pinned together) on our lapels, on our car aerials, in our windows, and more. (Red & blue represent the colours of the elements firefighters deal with on a daily basis - fire and water)

It is a day when people across the globe unite to pay respect and support for firefighters. A “Sound Off” has become a traditional feature of the celebration - fire stations set off their sirens at noon (local time) for a 30-second tribute. This is followed by a moment of silence to pay respects for all firefighters who perished in the line of duty. The "Sound Off" can occur either on IFFD or the first Sunday of May.

Take a moment today to thank a firefighter and remember the dangers they make and sacrifices they risk on our behalf, and to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lt. JJ Edmondson

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