Today Friday the 4th of May is the feast day of the Patron Saint of Firefighters - St Florian. It is also the date that many people on the net helped identify as the most appropriate date for recognition of firefighters internationally.
Two years ago last January an International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) was initially proposed. The concept of the day was to enable recognition of the commitment and dedication of firefighters - both current and past. The symbol chosen to represent this was two ribbons (one bright red and one royal blue) pinned together at the top. These colours were selected as they represent the main elements that firefighters work with - fire and water.
Since the initial proposal there has been incredible feedback from around Australia and the world. Award Ceremonies or state-wide Memorial Services (some joint department services) are now held in at least four Australian states (on or near IFFD) and feedback from numerous overseas countries indicate similar occurrences are happening internationally.
This date is slowly gaining recognition as people spread the word and plan local events to recognise the day. Events range from parades and balls to fundraising collections and state memorial services. It is currently being processed through official channels to recognise the date as a national day in Australia (hopefully by next year). Eventually it is hoped that more international organisations will join the International Association of Wildland Fire's endorsement of the day and make it a truly worldwide event.
To all who are involved in the firefighting industry - whether career or volunteer, urban or rural, wildland, defence force, industrial, aviation, support staff or even families - I wish you a happy and safe International Firefighters' Day on the 4th. Thankyou for you time and dedication in providing a service to promote and maintain safer communities where you work or live.
For further information about International Firefighters' Day - eg the history, symbol, downloadable proposal, links and the opportunity to register your brigade or department's IFFD activity please visit:
International Firefighters' Day Official Website
Please take time to forward the message that it's IFFD, pass on the web address and say thank-you to firefighters world wide.
THANKYOU to all of you and all who have been before us
TC&SS & have a happy IFFD
JJ
------------------
Lt JJ Edmondson
Clyde Cardinia Fire Brigade
Victoria, AUSTRALIA
I walk where the fire dances
International Firefighters' Day:
http://www.futureweb.com.au/edmondson
Two years ago last January an International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) was initially proposed. The concept of the day was to enable recognition of the commitment and dedication of firefighters - both current and past. The symbol chosen to represent this was two ribbons (one bright red and one royal blue) pinned together at the top. These colours were selected as they represent the main elements that firefighters work with - fire and water.
Since the initial proposal there has been incredible feedback from around Australia and the world. Award Ceremonies or state-wide Memorial Services (some joint department services) are now held in at least four Australian states (on or near IFFD) and feedback from numerous overseas countries indicate similar occurrences are happening internationally.
This date is slowly gaining recognition as people spread the word and plan local events to recognise the day. Events range from parades and balls to fundraising collections and state memorial services. It is currently being processed through official channels to recognise the date as a national day in Australia (hopefully by next year). Eventually it is hoped that more international organisations will join the International Association of Wildland Fire's endorsement of the day and make it a truly worldwide event.
To all who are involved in the firefighting industry - whether career or volunteer, urban or rural, wildland, defence force, industrial, aviation, support staff or even families - I wish you a happy and safe International Firefighters' Day on the 4th. Thankyou for you time and dedication in providing a service to promote and maintain safer communities where you work or live.
For further information about International Firefighters' Day - eg the history, symbol, downloadable proposal, links and the opportunity to register your brigade or department's IFFD activity please visit:
International Firefighters' Day Official Website
Please take time to forward the message that it's IFFD, pass on the web address and say thank-you to firefighters world wide.

THANKYOU to all of you and all who have been before us
TC&SS & have a happy IFFD
JJ
------------------
Lt JJ Edmondson
Clyde Cardinia Fire Brigade
Victoria, AUSTRALIA
I walk where the fire dances
International Firefighters' Day:
http://www.futureweb.com.au/edmondson
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