The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 10 station officers, 99 firemen and 33 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (March 8).
Mr Chan commended members of the Fire Services Department (FSD) for their dedicated efforts in protecting Hong Kong and saving people's lives and property. When participating in the rescue mission in the quake-stricken areas of Türkiye last year, members never hesitated and went all out to brave the harsh conditions even in an unfamiliar country.
He mentioned that the FSD has been introducing advanced equipment and applying innovative technology to enhance operational efficiency. In October last year, a male student went missing in the hills for days. The FSD deployed drones using technologies including artificial intelligence analysis and eventually located him. Moreover, the FSD received an award from the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance last year for its commitment to exploring and applying innovative technology in enhancing the effectiveness of mountain search and rescue operations.
Mr Chan said, "The FSD frequently conducts exchanges and mutual visits with its fire and rescue counterparts on the Mainland and overseas, and a regular mechanism for exchanges and observation has been created in particular with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition to conducting joint exercises, mutual visits, seminars and other activities from time to time, the Greater Bay Area Fire and Rescue Knowledge Management Platform was established which serves as a means to share experiences and information, thus strengthening mutual learning among counterparts of the area."
He also pointed out that the FSD has strived to enhance members' understanding of national security, and established a steering committee to co-ordinate activities on national affairs and national security to be participated in by all members. The graduates also attended a national studies course on the Mainland during the training period. He encouraged the graduates to deepen their understanding of the country's development and current situation, as well as its history and culture, in order to become the backbone for members who love both the country and Hong Kong. The graduates could then work together with colleagues from various disciplinary forces and play a crucial role in safeguarding national security.
The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 142 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots.
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