The EMS Bravery Awards were held at the Florida Fire Station on January 28 where fallen and current Emergency Management Services (EMS) firefighters were honoured.
The ceremony was held to recognise the brave firefighters who responded to the Bank of Lisbon fire that shocked the city and nation last year September when three firefighters died.
The awards ceremony was also aimed at recognising the often hazardous nature of the work firefighters do on a daily basis and to honour their heroic deeds.
Mayor Herman Mashaba, Public Safety MMC Clr Michael Sun and EMS Acting Fire Chief Arthur Mqwa handed out medals of valour to the men and women of EMS who, on September 5, braved the raging flames to rescue their own and recover the bodies of their fellow firemen, Khathutshelo Muedi, Mduduzi Ndlovu and Simphiwe Moropana.
Also read: Fun for all at Firefighter Rescue Challenge
“Whilst we had conveyed our condolences previously, we would like to take this opportunity to do so again and send our heartfelt condolences to the families and the broader EMS family,” said Mashaba.
Allegations after the incident were related to equipment shortages and unavailability of required resources to conduct active firefighting.
This prompted the city to launch a series of parallel investigations to determine what happened during the Bank of Lisbon fire.
Also read: WATCH: Emotional tribute to fallen firefighters
The City of Joburg instituted internal and external investigations under the EMS Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHASA), by the EMS Forensic Fire Investigation Unit and external investigations by Fire Protection Association (FPA) and the Department of Labour.
Both internal and external investigations are still underway and the department awaits the conclusions of the report with recommendations.
“The city reassures the residents that EMS management is committed to providing effective emergency services on a day-to-day basis without any disruptions,” said Mashaba.
