President Lee Jae-myung Attends National Fire Hospital Opening Ceremony: "We Will Strongly Protect You"

President Lee Jae-myung said today (the 11th), "When you, our firefighters, protect citizens facing crisis, the government will firmly protect you as you fight your own battles with pain."

Attending the opening ceremony of the National Fire Hospital—the first of its kind in the country—in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, President Lee stated in his commemorative address, "A country where heroes who save citizens' lives in the most dangerous places are most securely protected and treated is the exemplary path South Korea must take."

Expressing his gratitude to the firefighters, President Lee encouraged them by saying, "In the blinding flames and through the wreckage of collapsed buildings, you are the national heroes stepping in to play the role of savior. I offer you my deep respect and thanks."

He added, "I am well aware that behind your brilliant dedication and sacrifice lies the painful reality of individuals enduring mental and physical suffering." He comforted them by noting, "From having the shortest average lifespan among all public servant occupations, to PTSD and depression rates that are tens of times higher than the general public, the very moments you rushed in to save others' lives have left deep scars on your bodies and minds."

Expressing hope for the newly opened hospital, he said, "I hope the National Fire Hospital, which is finally opening its doors, will become a reliable sanctuary that understands and treats you more deeply than anywhere else." He predicted, "By combining the world-class clinical capabilities of Seoul National University Hospital with data from the Fire Medical Research Institute, it will become the center of fire medicine for preventing and treating occupation-related illnesses."

President Lee also promised, "The government will make ample efforts to ensure that your dedication is duly respected and that your pride in your uniforms is elevated to the highest degree."

He also expressed gratitude to the medical staff, urging them, "Protecting our heroes means protecting the nation and its people. Please approach your duties with pride and a sense of mission."

(Photo courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.