01 Mar Saying ‘thank you’ to firies with a red balloon
Communities from around Queensland will take time out of their day to thank our firefighters as part of National Red Balloon Day.
Created to honour and thank firefighters around Australia for their courageous work, the Government together with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) will join the public to celebrate today.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said firefighters regularly put themselves in harmful situations and it was important to take the opportunity to thank them for their hard work in keeping Queenslanders safe.
“Queensland’s dedicated firefighters spend time away from their families, dealing with some of Queensland’s worst disasters,” Minister Ryan said.
“National Red Balloon Day allows for communities to show their appreciation for the work firefighters undertake and I encourage everyone to take the time and thank a firie.”
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said Queenslanders who wanted to express their thanks could place a red balloon on their letterbox.
“It isn’t just the about the fires, road accidents or rescues, firefighters put in a large amount of work for their local community behind the scenes, as well as expanding their own education and training, the role is always evolving,” Ms Carroll said.
“National Red Balloon Day encourages people across Australia to place a red balloon on their letterbox, desk or in the office, expressing their gratitude and thanks to firefighters around the nation.
“Many members of community might not know a firefighter personally but have been involved in a situation where firefighters were called to assist.
“Seeing a red balloon on a letterbox can brighten the day of crews, who may be driving to a fire or an accident, and I know the support of the community is important to the ongoing work they do.”
Ms Carroll said National Red Balloon Day had become an annual event and grown in popularity from year to year.
“It’s great to see the day becoming more popular every year and it really shows the high community sentiment for firies,” she said.
“It doesn’t take much to get involved and we hope everyone gets behind the day, raising a red balloon to thank Queensland firefighters.”
For more information and merchandise on National Red Balloon Day please visit http://www.
