Nationwide Fire Agencies Special Inspection on Public Service Discipline ... "Strict Action on Misconduct"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The National Fire Agency announced on the 6th that it is conducting a special inspection of fire stations and affiliated organizations nationwide until the 22nd to establish public service discipline and verify the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The National Fire Agency formed a joint inspection team of 24 members, including inspection personnel from each city and provincial fire headquarters, and will conduct cross-inspections by dividing the country into four regions.

This special inspection focuses on ▲ acceptance of entertainment and money, improper pursuit of personal gain and power harassment ▲ compliance with COVID-19 quarantine orders and guidelines ▲ violations of duty such as fraudulent overtime claims and false business trips ▲ readiness for dispatch and security maintenance. Additionally, to listen to field grievances and suggestions, communication sessions with frontline field personnel and workplace council members are arranged to gather diverse opinions and identify areas needing improvement.

From 2019 to the past two years, there have been a total of 465 disciplinary actions against fire officers, with drunk driving being the most frequent at 114 cases, followed by sexual misconduct with 68 cases, and power harassment and bribery with 31 cases. However, the National Fire Agency explained that since fire officers were converted to national officials in 2020, misconduct such as drunk driving and bribery decreased by about 100 cases compared to the previous year.

An official from the National Fire Agency emphasized, "We plan to apply a zero-tolerance policy and take strict measures against misconduct detected during this inspection," adding, "We will boldly improve wrong practices to create a 119 service that meets the trust of the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.