Incheon fire station accused of mobilizing staff, ordering applause during honorary chief ceremony for city council member

Fire union vows to file inspection tip with Incheon city, pursue police complaint over alleged abuse of authority

Incheon firefighters have been drawn into controversy after allegedly being mobilized for a local politician's honorary fire chief ceremony. [AI-generated image]
Incheon firefighters have been drawn into controversy after allegedly being mobilized for a local politician's honorary fire chief ceremony. [AI-generated image]

A string of controversies over inappropriate conduct and protocol involving fire department civil servants has sparked criticism that fire organizations — whose mission is to protect the lives and safety of citizens — are being used as props to bolster politicians' authority.

Following an uproar in Gyeonggi Province over remarks that referred to fire civil servants as "straws," allegations have now emerged in Incheon that on-duty firefighters were mobilized for a local politician's visit and ordered to applaud.

Critics say the political establishment and administrative bodies — which should respect the dedication and responsibility of fire civil servants — are instead treating them as instruments of political ceremony.

The Incheon Fire Branch of the Korean Government Employees' Union issued a statement Monday calling out allegations that firefighters at the Incheon Industrial Complex Fire Station were mobilized for protocol duties and ordered to clap.

According to the union, the controversy arose during the appointment of a city council member as honorary fire chief for a day.

The union said firefighters who were on regular duty at the time were lined up at entrances, stairways and corridors, and that an order was issued for them to applaud as the council member moved through the building.

The union said firefighters are public servants who protect the lives and safety of citizens — not protocol staff for politicians.

It added that given the strict chain of command within fire organizations, subordinates have virtually no ability to refuse orders from superiors, meaning that if the applause directive is confirmed, it cannot be dismissed as simple event cooperation.

"Firefighters are not props for politicians," the union said in its statement, urging a thorough investigation into how the staff mobilization and applause order came about, the scope of authority exercised by the fire chief, and whether any laws or regulations were violated.

The union said it would file an official inspection tip with the Incheon city government and pursue a police complaint against those involved on charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights.

It also called on the Incheon city government and the Incheon Fire Headquarters to hold those responsible strictly accountable if any unlawful or improper conduct is confirmed, and urged that no retaliation be taken against employees who raise concerns or cooperate with any investigation.

Some observers noted that politicians visiting fire stations can be meaningful if the visits give voice to frontline concerns and lead to improved working conditions for firefighters. "But if staff were mobilized to stage a welcoming scene for a visitor, it is hard to avoid the criticism that the purpose of the event has been turned on its head," one observer said.

A local politician said firefighters "do not exist to promote politicians' achievements or enhance their authority," adding that their fundamental mission is "to protect the lives and property of citizens at fire and disaster scenes, and to carry out rescue operations while taking on personal risk in urgent situations."


gilbert@heraldcorp.com