by Lee YeongKyu
Published 18 Feb.2026 11:27(KST)
Governor Kim Dongyeon of Gyeonggi Province received a letter of appreciation from firefighters and their families over the Lunar New Year holiday.
Gyeonggi Province announced on the 18th that Governor Kim received a handwritten letter in the name of "Suwon Nambu Fire Station and all Gyeonggi Province firefighting families" when he visited Suwon Nambu Fire Station on the 14th, the day the Lunar New Year holiday began.
The handwritten letter begins by expressing gratitude for the decision to pay unpaid overtime allowances to firefighters.
"Fulfilling a long-cherished wish of firefighters that has lasted 16 years, you decided to pay the unpaid overtime allowances, allocating an enormous budget of 34 billion won, even to firefighters who did not join the lawsuit. Many firefighting families were deeply moved and brought to tears by your words and determination that this decision was made because of the firefighters' dedication, and that firefighters are among the public officials most trusted by the residents of Gyeonggi Province.
A letter received by Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, from firefighters and their families on the 14th. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
원본보기 아이콘For some people, that time may remain just as numbers, but for us, it was each step taken through the flames, the breaths of those waiting to be rescued in the cold dawn air, and the record of nights we stayed awake to protect the lives of citizens.
The fact that you remembered that time, and that you recognized that sweat in the language of administration, was a great comfort and a deep sign of respect to us.
Firefighting is an organization that always quietly keeps its place, but behind it lie the sacrifices and waiting of our families. Your decision was warm-hearted administration that went beyond merely paying allowances and extended to embracing those families as well," the letter read.
The letter concluded, "Along with our high evaluation of the 8th popularly elected provincial administration, we will work more humbly and more diligently in lower positions so as not to be ashamed before the responsibility and justice in administration that you have demonstrated."
On that day, Governor Kim also received a plaque of appreciation along with the handwritten letter.
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