Daughter's letter to firefighter Kim Jin-seok, killed in Bucheon fire, made public

A letter written to the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok by his daughter has been made public. Kim died while fighting a factory fire in Bucheon.

Democratic Party lawmaker Song Young-gil released the letter. On the 17th, he posted the letter on social media from Kim's daughter, who is due to enter elementary school next year.

The daughter began her letter by saying she missed her father. She wrote that he had died the previous day and that they were at the funeral hall, expressing how much she missed him.

Kim arrived with the first responding crew at a paint factory fire in Nae-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the morning of the 16th. After entering the factory, he was unable to escape as the flames spread rapidly; he was found in cardiac arrest and rescued but died.

Kim was in his 11th year as a firefighter. He received an exemplary firefighter award for his contribution to fighting a fire at a multifamily house in Wonjong-dong, Bucheon, in January.

President Lee Jae-myung visited the funeral hall of Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in a Bucheon factory fire, on the 17th to pay his respects. Before the deceased's portrait, Lee personally awarded him the Order of Service Merit, Aquamarine Stripes, posthumously.

Lee entered the funeral hall at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, at about 6:14 p.m. He arrived wearing a black suit.

After paying his respects, Lee wished a speedy recovery to a firefighter being treated for injuries sustained at the same fire. He instructed Minister Yoon to spare no support for treatment and recovery.

Lee stressed the need to strengthen safety at emergency scenes so firefighters can carry out their duties in safer conditions. He said the state must also fulfill its responsibility to provide honors and support commensurate with their dedication and sacrifice.

Regarding the bereaved family, Lee urged the state to remember the firefighter's dedication and accord him appropriate honors. He said the state must carefully attend to the future of the family and young child left behind and remain by their side.

President Lee visits fallen Bucheon firefighter's funeral, awards posthumous honor

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