New Taipei City Volunteer Firefighters Rally: Mayor Hou Thanks Senior Members, Launches Corporate Units and Indigenous Special Search Teams

The New Taipei City Fire Department hosted the '115th Annual Volunteer Firefighter General Team and Affiliated Units Leadership Meeting, along with Recognition Ceremony for Senior Volunteers, Inauguration of Corporate Volunteer Fire Units, and Flag Presentation for Indigenous Special Search and Rescue Teams' on the evening of August 21 at Hai Da Wang Fashion Xi Yan Square.

During the event, key municipal policies were communicated, and recommendations from various volunteer units were collected to enhance cooperation effectiveness. New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi attended specially to personally recognize volunteer firefighters who have served for 35 and over 40 years. He also presided over the inauguration ceremony for the 'Corporate Volunteer Fire Units' and the flag presentation for the 'Indigenous Special Search and Rescue Teams,' expressing deep gratitude for the selfless dedication of all volunteer partners and encouraging broader civilian participation in safeguarding New Taipei's safety.

As firefighting duties grow increasingly complex and diverse, New Taipei's volunteer forces have evolved from traditional disaster response models into specialized divisions covering disaster relief, emergency medical services, public education, and special search operations. This leadership meeting brought together all volunteer officers to share experiences, strengthen camaraderie, and showcase the team’s continuous innovation and cross-domain integration achievements.

Mayor Hou particularly emphasized his appreciation for Chiang Ken-huang, Commander-in-Chief of the Volunteer Fire General Team, for his long-standing, unwavering support for the fire and volunteer teams in the city council, actively securing vital resources. He personally led officers at all levels of the general team in contributing both funds and manpower, driving the continuous growth and professionalization of New Taipei’s volunteer force. It is precisely due to Commander Chiang’s strong leadership and rallying power that this force protecting New Taipei remains so united, professional, and cohesive.

Mayor Hou stated that the city’s outstanding performance in disaster prevention and rescue operations would not have been possible without the indispensable contributions of volunteer partners. The city government will always remain the strongest backing for volunteers, continuously enhancing equipment, welfare, and protective measures to ensure volunteers can serve without worry. He expressed heartfelt thanks to senior volunteers for their decades-long silent dedication and extended high praise to newly inaugurated corporate volunteer and indigenous special search team members. He concluded by wishing all volunteer partners smooth operations and peace and safety for their families.