The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) bid farewell to Jaco Steenkamp, one of the longest-serving station commanders and rescue technicians, on 2 March at Westpark Cemetery’s hero acres.
Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said Steenkamp joined the City in 1990 as a firefighter and grew within the ranks until he was appointed as station commander at various stations within the City and later assigned to the logistics department.
Mulaudzi said Steenkamp passed away due to a medical condition on 25 February at Milpark Hospital.
“Mr Steenkamp was one of the first officers in charge of the first-ever Urban Search and Rescue Team in the City of Johannesburg, which is currently internally accredited. He played a pivotal role in the development and training of the said team,” Mulaudzi said.
Steenkamp was known to always be willing to respond to emergencies, 24/7, 365 days a year. “His work ethic was beyond reproach. He was always willing to respond to any incident, at any time, anywhere.
“He will not only be missed by his immediate family members but by the rest of EMS family across the City and Gauteng.
We hope that the almighty God will give his family strength to heal, and the EMS family, as we forge forward in our efforts to provide effective professional emergency services to all the residents of the City.”
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