The National Fire Agency announced that five firefighters were awarded the 11th Korea Civil Servant Award for their contributions to public safety at the forefront of disaster sites and policy. The Korea Civil Servant Award is the highest authority award that officially recognizes outstanding public service achievements in national policy and field administration.
This year, the National Fire Agency was recognized not only for its disaster response achievements but also for its administrative capabilities in policy planning and system improvement, proving the balanced development of field and policy. Fire Chief Jeong Gwang-bok planned the first national fire mobilization order and comprehensive emergency rescue training, establishing a paradigm shift from city and provincial-centered large-scale disaster response systems to national-level systems.
Fire Lieutenant Jin Jun-ho from Gyeongju Fire Station was recognized for his contributions at the forefront of public safety, including responding to over 7,000 disaster sites, rescuing 5,103 people, reviving three cardiac arrest patients, extinguishing large-scale forest fires, and rescuing 12 suicide attempters. Fire Lieutenant Lee Seung-hyo from the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters was acknowledged for his activities in Dokdo air rescue and emergency medical services, reviving five cardiac arrest patients, and contributing to the development of Korea’s emergency medical system through research and publication in SCIE (3 papers) and KCI (1 paper).
Selected firefighters will receive various privileges, including special promotions, vacation rewards, performance bonuses, and preferential points through a review committee. Acting Commissioner Kim Seung-ryong stated that this award is significant as it recognizes achievements not only in field response but also in policy planning, system improvement, and fire research (R&D), emphasizing the importance of organically connecting field and policy to strengthen public safety.