The government plans to add 3,000 firefighters by 2028 as part of a push to increase the nation’s disaster response capacity, President William Lai (賴清德) said today.
In 2019, the government made it a goal to add 3,000 new firefighters by last year, reaching that goal in 2023.
Lai announced the plan at a ceremony at the Presidential Office celebrating this year’s Phoenix Award recipients, the highest honor in firefighting, where he gave thanks to all those involved in disaster prevention efforts and education around the country.
Photo: CNA
Firefighting is crucial in protecting lives, property and ensuring safety for all of society, Lai said.
The award recipients come from different cities and counties, but are united in their common spirit of sacrifice and dedication, as they give their all for the country and its people, Lai said.
Lai praised Wu Kuan-yuan (吳貫遠), a professor at Central Police University, for his 30 years of working in firefighting education and research, including translating Japanese works to raise Taiwan’s disaster prevention capabilities to international standards.
Wu’s mission aligns with the goals of the government and society to make Taiwan more advanced and internationally competitive, Lai said, adding that Taiwan is a global leader in disaster prevention research.
Whether combating authoritarianism, responding to climate change or fire safety, Taiwan must become more resilient to threats and challenges, Lai added.
Where Taiwan once relied on international aid for relief efforts, it now assists other countries, he said.
This achievement is the result of years of effort from many people, Lai said, adding that moving forward, it is necessary to continue progressing and strengthening Taiwan’s disaster prevention and relief systems.
It is essential to continue improving firefighting training facilities and the equipment they use in the field, Lai added.
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