Firefighters risking their lives in rescue operations even on 'Holidays' selected as 'POSCO Heroes'

Fire Lieutenant Kim Hyeong-hak of Jeonbuk Namwon Fire Station... Rescues Two Middle School Students Who Fell into the Lake

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Fire Lieutenant Kim Hyeonghak of Namwon Fire Station, Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters, was selected as a ‘POSCO Heroes’.

According to Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters on the 16th, Fire Lieutenant Kim Hyeonghak discovered two middle school students who had fallen into the water after the ice on a lake near his home broke while he was taking a walk around 3:40 p.m. on December 30 last year.

In subzero weather, to prevent the students in the water from suffering hypothermia, he used a lifebuoy to rescue one student before the 119 emergency medical team arrived.

Although he himself was in a dangerous situation of falling into the water during the rescue process, thanks to his swift action despite the risk, both middle school students recovered their health immediately without serious injuries.

Fire Lieutenant Kim sustained abrasions on his leg when the ice broke during the rescue, leaving scars, but he said he felt rewarded when the rescued students came to express their gratitude.

Accordingly, the POSCO Chungam Foundation presented Fire Lieutenant Kim with a plaque and a scholarship for his children on the same day.

POSCO Heroes are individuals who have sacrificed themselves for the nation and social justice through life-saving and fire suppression, discovered and selected by the POSCO Chungam Foundation Screening Committee.

Fire Lieutenant Kim Hyeonghak said, “I am honored to receive such a great award, and saving people in danger is a natural duty as a firefighter.”

Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters Chief Choi Mincheol said, “I express my gratitude to Fire Lieutenant Kim Hyeonghak, who did not turn away from people in difficulty and took the lead in saving precious lives,” and added, “We will continue to strive to be a fire organization responsible for the lives and property of the residents.”

Meanwhile, the POSCO Heroes Fellowship is a program that supports heroes who sacrificed themselves for the nation and social justice or their children to continue their studies stably. Established in 2019, a total of 77 POSCO Heroes have been selected so far.

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