Councilman Paul Koretz, second from right, presented proclamations to First-In Fire Foundation president Lyn MacEwen Cohen and LAFD Deputy Chief Orin Saunders. They were joined by Greg Martayan, left, director of public safety and special assignments for Koretz, and the councilman’s Chief of Staff Joan Pelico. (photo courtesy of the First-in Fire Foundation)

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, recently joined representatives of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the First-In Fire Foundation to observe International Firefighters’ Day on May 4.

Koretz presented proclamations at Los Angeles City Hall to the Los Angeles Fire Department and First-In Fire Foundation in honor of firefighters. International Firefighters’ Day commemorates firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and shows support and appreciation for those who serve in the Los Angeles Fire Department.

“Internationally, firefighters around the world share a common bond and common ethic of service above self. Rushing into the inferno, daring to climb the rubble of  collapsed or demolished buildings searching heroically for lives to save, facing all dangers against all odds, even in the Ukrainian horrific war zone, firefighters willingly and courageously sacrifice their well-being and lives for others,” First-In Fire Foundation president Lyn MacEwen Cohen said. “We are so proud to serve our local firefighters, and to serve the firefighters in Ukraine.”