The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Beti Assomo Joseph, presided over the unveiling and inauguration of a memorial stele at the Headquarters of the National Fire Fighter Corps.
The ceremony began with a poignant speech by Major General Mahamat Ahmed Kotoko, Chief of Staff of the National Fire Fighter Corps. He delivered a solemn tribute to the courageous firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation, honoring them as heroes. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen and urged the firefighting corps to carry on their legacy.
During the inauguration of the commemorative stele, Minister Beti honored the deceased firefighters of Cameroon’s National Firefighter corps. He expressed gratitude to their families and acknowledged the contributions of military and civilian personnel in maintaining civil security. He emphasized the significance of the stele as a lasting symbol of bravery and sacrifice, serving as a reminder for future generations about the perilous quest for safety. Minister Beti also recognized the support from French cooperation in enhancing firefighting capabilities and called for ongoing training and modernization efforts. He urged all Cameroonians to uphold the legacy of these heroes, inspiring solidarity and guiding actions in service to the nation.
The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative stele by the Minister of Defense, which serves as a lasting testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen firefighters. The Minister stated that this memorial would inspire future generations of firefighters to emulate the courage and selflessness of their predecessors, ensuring that their legacy endures.
Following the ceremony, a guided tour to the boulevard was conducted, during which the Minister and other authorities visited several workshops from the fire department.
The history and evolution of firefighting services in Cameroon reflect significant progress and adaptation to national needs, beginning with volunteer and conscript-based organizations during the colonial era that established the first fire stations in response to fires in coffee plantations and roasting plants in Nkongsamba. After gaining independence in 1960, fire services came under municipal authority, but operational challenges led to the creation of the National Corps of Firefighters (CNSP) in 1986, which operates under the Ministry of Defence to coordinate firefighting efforts nationwide. The CNSP has since undergone modernization and expansion, increasing operational units from 8 to 20 by 2011 and establishing additional Firefighter Groups and Companies in 2018 to enhance territorial coverage and response times. Today, the Cameroonian firefighting services consist of dedicated personnel equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment to effectively carry out their diverse missions.
