Media Release - Paying tribute to our fallen firefighters

Western Australian firefighters killed during firefighting duties have been honoured today at a special service at the Firefighters' Memorial Grove in Kings Park. 
Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said the International Firefighters' Day commemoration was an opportunity for loved ones, friends and colleagues to pay their respects to firefighters who gave their lives while serving their community.
"This event is a chance for all of us to honour and remember the courageous individuals who paid the ultimate price while protecting others," Mr Francis said.
Since 1908, 49 Western Australian career and volunteer firefighters have died while on duty.
The Minister said the memorial service was also recognition of the ongoing dedication of serving firefighters.
"It's important we acknowledge those men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities every hour of the day, every day of the year," he said.
Mr Francis said the State Government was committed to supporting WA's volunteer and career firefighters to ensure they were as safe as possible while serving their community.
"That commitment has seen the delivery of new crew protection systems and new fire stations and equipment," he said.
"The Government will continue to invest in the resources needed by firefighters who face danger every time they go to work."
​Fact File

• WA currently has about 1,100 career firefighters and 27,000 volunteer firefighters
• International Firefighters' Day was instituted after the deaths of five firefighters during  bushfires in Victoria in December 1999
• It is observed each year on St Florian's Day, which honours the patron saint of all firefighters and the first known chief of a firefighting squad in the Roman Empire
• Red and blue ribbons pinned together are the symbol of the day 

Minister's office - 6552 6500