Today is National Red Balloon Day and firefighters across the country are being honoured for their dedication and commitment. The red balloon symbolises the hard work and tireless efforts of both professional and volunteer firefighters. Whether it’s fighting fires, attending road crashes, or cleaning up storm damage, firefighters are depended upon 365 days a year, 7 days a week. To commemorate the day, people are encouraged to fly a red balloon from their letterbox, fence or business window.
“We know our firefighters aren’t out there for the recognition, but today is a chance to thank them for their hard work and dedication to their community. Often firefighters leave their own family and homes to protect those of the community, a noble and selfless act.” South Australian Emergency Services Minister Peter Malinauskas commented.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said firefighters regularly put themselves in harmful situations and it was important to take the opportunity to thank them for their hard work in keeping Queenslanders safe.
“Queensland’s dedicated firefighters spend time away from their families, dealing with some of Queensland’s worst disasters,” Minister Ryan commented “National Red Balloon Day allows for communities to show their appreciation for the work firefighters undertake and I encourage everyone to take the time and thank a firie today.”
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said Queenslanders who wanted to express their thanks could place a red balloon on their letterbox. “It isn’t just the about the fires, road accidents or rescues, firefighters put in a large amount of work for their local community behind the scenes, as well as expanding their own education and training, the role is always evolving,” Ms Carroll commented “National Red Balloon Day encourages people across Australia to place a red balloon on their letterbox, desk or in the office, expressing their gratitude and thanks to firefighters around the nation. Seeing a red balloon on a letterbox can brighten the day of crews, who may be driving to a fire or an accident, and I know the support of the community is important to the ongoing work they do.”
“Thankfully there have been few bushfires in South Australia this year, however, our fireys have been busy fighting structure fires, cleaning up after the storms and attending road crashes. It is important to note, that although we are thanking our firefighters at the end of summer, there are still two months until the end of the fire danger season (April 30).” SA Country Fire Service Chief Officer and Board member of the CFS Foundation Greg Nettleton commented.
“From such humble and personal beginnings, this event has transformed into a day for the community to show their appreciation for the work done by Australian firefighters. While firefighters don’t seek the recognition it certainly is tremendously rewarding to know the value their communities place in the work they do.” Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation (APFF) President and Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Commander, Greg Howard commented “The MFS has nominated the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation (APFF) as the South Australian charity to receive its share of funds raised on behalf of South Australian Firefighters and these will be used to assist burns and road trauma survivors.”