An informal, impromptu ceremony was held this morning in Pioneer Park, Gawler, to Mark St Florian’s Day. May 4 is one of the most important days on the calendar for our emergency services, as it Marks the feast day of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters and other emergency services workers.

Representatives from the Concordia Country Fire Service Brigade (Brigade Captain Robert Borgo), Gawler Metropolitan Fire Service (Senior Firefighter Matthew Williamson), State Emergency Services (John Lawrence) and SA Police (Chief Inspector Shane Addison) laid a wreath along with local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.

The Gawler RSL allowed the service to take place at their memorial and they were represented by their Vice President Mr Pat Adams.

Mr Piccolo said only a very simple service was held to Mark the occasion because of the COVID-19 health restrictions.

“The ceremony is both a thanksgiving and memorial event held to thank those emergency services workers who help keep our community safe and a memorial to those who have lost their lives in natural disasters, like fires and floods,” said Mr Piccolo.

“While initially it was a day of commemoration for fire fighters, in more recent times it has included other emergency services workers as they work closely together during times of crisis. “Each service might play a different role but are all critical to maintaining community safety.

St. Florian’s feast day is also celebrated as International Firefighters’ Day, which was instituted in 1999 following the deaths of five firefighters in a wildfire in Linton, Victoria. Mr Piccolo said that while commemoration services have been held at the national level for some years, no local ceremonies have taken place. “Plans for a community-based event had commenced early in the year but had to be shelved, as the enormity of the corona virus had become evident.”

“I look forward to working with all local emergency services soon to start planning for a bigger community-based event for 2021. With a bit more time, we are keen to involve all volunteers and career workers involved in emergency services, including the paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers.”

“Services who would like to be involved in the planning and participation of the 2021 ceremony should contact my electorate office as soon as possible.

“This morning’s service was an informal impromptu event, to ensure the day was commemorated in some way.”

Mr Piccolo said St. Florian was born around 250 CE in present-day Austria and was responsible for the organisation and training of elite soldiers for the sole purpose of fighting fires. The day is Marked by the adorning of a red and blue ribbon, symbolising the elements of fire and water that firefighters work with.

“On behalf of the community, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our firefighters and other emergency service workers for all their efforts in protecting us and our town, state and country from extreme weather and disasters.”