The National Fire Agency of South Korea announced on July 9 that it would launch its first specialized program to train officiants for memorial services or commemoration ceremonies for firefighters nationwide. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jul. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – The National Fire Agency of South Korea announced on July 9 that it would launch its first specialized program to train officiants for memorial services or commemoration ceremonies for firefighters nationwide.
Officiants, known as “jipryegwan” in Korean, are responsible for overseeing memorial services and commemorative events. This initiative aims to elevate the honors bestowed upon firefighters who have died in the line of duty and to expand support for their bereaved families.
The inaugural training session, which will involve 26 firefighters, is set to cover a comprehensive curriculum. Participants will delve into the significance and history of memorial services, learn protocols for ceremonial procedures such as flower offerings and incense burning, and gain practical experience in conducting these rituals.
An experienced officiant from the Daejeon National Cemetery has been invited to lead the training.
Upon completion of the program, these newly trained officiants are slated to observe and participate in the upcoming memorial service for fallen firefighters in October.
Moving forward, they will be responsible for conducting burial ceremonies and memorial services for firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty across various emergency situations, including fires, rescues, and medical responses throughout the country.
Jeong Geon-il, the head of health and safety at the National Fire Agency, expressed his hopes for the program.
“Through this training initiative for firefighter ceremonial masters, we aim to enhance the dignity of memorial services that honor the loyalty and heroic deeds of firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
“We also hope this will provide some solace to the families of the fallen.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
