PPP Pledges 'Every Effort to Ensure Sacrifice Not in Vain,' Pays Respects to Firefighter Fallen in Bucheon Blaze

The leadership of the People Power Party paid respects today (Oct. 18) at the memorial altar for Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in the line of duty while battling a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok and Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sig visited the late firefighter's memorial altar set up at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital this morning to pray for the repose of his soul and console the bereaved family.

After paying his respects, Jang told reporters, "The state must protect the safety of firefighters who protect the lives and safety of the public," adding, "We must inspect safety measures so that those protecting the lives and safety of our people can perform their duties safely, and thoroughly address any shortcomings."

He continued, "Reading the letter written by (the late firefighter's) seven-year-old child broke my heart. And the single tearful plea from his spouse, asking only that their child be allowed to grow up well, weighs heavily on my mind," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that his sacrifice is not in vain."

Floor Leader Jeong wrote in the guestbook, "We will deeply engrave in our hearts the noble sacrifice made to protect the lives of the people. The Republic of Korea will never forget this noble intention."

Prior to the visit, Jeong expressed his condolences at a press briefing at the National Assembly, saying, "I pay my respects to his dedication in fulfilling his duties until the very end to protect public safety."

Also accompanying the leadership during the visit were Secretary-General Jeong Hee-yong, Policy Committee Chair Lim I-ja, Chief of Staff to the Party Leader Park Jun-tae, Senior Spokespersons Park Chung-kwon and Choi Bo-yoon, and Senior Floor Spokesperson Choi Soo-jin.

Five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won also visited the memorial altar this morning.

After paying her respects, Na wrote on Facebook, "The joyful faces of firefighters on the day they were transitioned to national civil service status are still vivid. It was not just about compensation. It must have been pride and honor knowing the state recognized their sacrifice and dedication," adding, "However, the reality was different. The budget and command structure remained virtually unchanged from when they were local civil servants."

Aiming at Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae, she added, "At the end of these structural contradictions, we even ended up with a governor who referred to the fire service as a 'fiscal straw.' We will build a structure where the state takes full responsibility, living up to the name of national civil service status."

Meanwhile, Reform Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Lee Gi-in and Floor Leader Cheon Ha-ram also visited the altar this morning to express their condolences and comfort the bereaved family.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.