National Fire Agency 'Feels Heavy Responsibility' Over Massive Disciplinary Action in Female Firefighter's Death

The National Fire Agency stated that it "deeply feels a heavy responsibility as a higher command authority" regarding the Jeonnam-Gwangju Fire Headquarters' announcement of disciplinary measures against 15 individuals involved in misconduct concerning the death of a female firefighter.

It emphasized that it will focus all its capabilities on correcting wrong practices across the entire fire organization, using this incident as a turning point.

To prevent the recurrence of such incidents, the National Fire Agency launched an "Organizational Culture Innovation Task Force (TF)" last month, headed by the Deputy Administrator of the National Fire Agency (Acting Administrator), and is pursuing three core tasks.

The task force is accepting reports on internal irregularities such as demands for private gains, forced drinking, and verbal abuse targeting firefighters nationwide throughout the month of July via the anonymous reporting system "K-Whistle."

It is also conducting an "Organizational Culture Status and Perception Survey" to diagnose the hardships and unreasonable practices experienced in the field by lower-ranking officers and female firefighters.

In addition, it operates a "Special Inspection Team for Organizational Culture Innovation" headed by the Audit Officer.

To prevent regional ties and leniency from affecting investigations, a cross-regional joint investigation method is applied to verify submitted reports of misconduct.

The National Fire Agency plans to comprehensively analyze the intensive reporting, comprehensive survey, and special inspection results to announce a "Comprehensive Plan for Organizational Culture Innovation."

The comprehensive plan will include measures to improve human resources and inspection operation systems to prevent disciplinary actions against misconduct from being weakened due to regional connections or leniency.

It plans to enhance expertise in responding to sensitive incidents by establishing relief systems so that victim protection can actually function in the field.

Furthermore, it is pushing for the establishment of a gender equality department dedicated to gender equality policies.

Acting National Fire Agency Administrator Choi Yong-cheol stated, "This incident serves as an opportunity for the entire fire organization to take a cold, honest look at itself and correct flawed systems and practices." He added, "Rather than stopping at declarations or short-term prescriptions, we will decisively change systems and culture so that frontline personnel can tangibly feel the change."

Previously, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan Fire Headquarters issued disciplinary actions, including dismissal, against 15 firefighters on the 28th in connection with the death of a female firefighter who had appealed about suffering from workplace bullying.

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