Samoan Firefighters Celebrate Thanksgiving Day

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 4 May 2026:  The Samoa Fire & Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) joined firefighters around the world in a special ceremony this morning to celebrate Firefighters Thanksgiving Day.

Special guest, Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o saluted the firefighters and the celebrations as a tribute to those who have committed to serving the country.

“This is defined by your bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment in the frontline whether protecting lives and properties or other environments the men and women of this Authority represent,” said Mulipola.

SFESA’s Executive and staff.

She said the theme “Leading Safety and Transforming Response” captures the involving identity of our emergency services.

“You are no longer solely the responders who arrive when a crisis occur, but leaders in prevention, the architects of preparedness and guardian of community safety,” she said.

Last year, SFESA launched the Emergency Medical Response 2025 which expanded the Authority growth enhancing capability to provide holistic care to people in their most vulnerable moment.

Whilst SFESA has come a long way, the theme challenges them to move forward, and it falls on the Authority and partners to meet the demands of modern emergency.

A moment of silence was observed, and a last post was sounded in memory of the men and women past and present.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo & Minister of Education & Culture Aiono Alec Ekeroma with the first and second prize winners of the Poem competition.

Part of the community awareness of the work of Firefighters & Emergency Services, included a poem competition where students from 12 schools participated on the theme “Leading Safety and Transforming Response”.

Laura Savai’inaea of Vaimoso Primary School scooped the top prize, second place went to Brenda Faisaovale of Nofoalii Primary School and Vonise Daniel of Asau Primary School came third.