Bahrain marks World Civil Defence Day

Manama, Feb. 28(BNA): Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa has today patronised a ceremony marking the World Civil Defence Day, which falls on the 1st of March. The General Directorate of Civil Defence organised the event, which was attended by senior ministry’s officials and delegations attending the second International Fire Operations Conference. The minister paid tribute to firemen, commending their dedicated efforts and sacrifices to protect human lives and properties and consolidate public safety. He also hailed their professional performance, quick response, strong commitment and high-level readiness to deal with emergencies, commending their spirit of patriotic responsibility in assuming their duties to save lives and protect people. He stressed the importance of pursuing efforts to develop civil defence to keep pace with the urban growth in the Kingdom of Bahrain, underling the need to strengthen capabilities hone skills through sustained training. The Civil Defence Deputy director-general delivered a speech thanking the ministry for his support to enhance civil protection and provide the best of services. He underlined the commitment of the directorate to implement the slogan of the World Civil Defence Day –"Children's safety, our responsibility". The "Firemen’s Challenge" championship was then held, reflecting efforts to foster the spirit of challenge and patience among the civil defence personnel. The minister then honored the partners of the civil defence, as well as sponsors and other supporting personalities. A batch of civil defence officers and servicemen were also honored during the ceremony.