***********************************************************
The Government today (September 3) announced that $3.15 million and $3.78 million would be granted under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Family Members of Those Who Sacrifice Their Lives to Save Others to family members of deceased brave fire officers Mr Siu Wing-fong and Mr Chan Siu-lung respectively.
Mr Siu, Senior Fireman, and Mr Chan, Fireman, died on August 10 while on duty searching for and rescuing people trapped in a fifth-alarm fire at Cornwall Court in Mong Kok.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, who chairs the committee approving the grants, praised Mr Siu and Mr Chan for their gallant act.
"The late Messrs Siu and Chan displayed utmost bravery and selfless devotion to the Hong Kong community during the rescue and firefighting operation. Despite the great risk to their own lives and grave danger, they spared no effort in rescuing the residents. Their high level of professionalism and self-sacrifice commands our greatest respect," Mr Cheung said.
"We deeply mourn the loss of such outstanding and devoted public servants. The grants represent the Government's recognition of their act of exceptional courage and gallantry of the highest order. We sincerely hope that the financial assistance can provide some relief to their family members."
The scheme was set up in January, 2002, to provide financial assistance to family members of those who lose their lives attempting to save or protect others. Under the scheme, the amount of financial assistance for each approved application is worked out according to a formula having regard to the age and normal retirement age of the deceased and the prevailing median monthly employment earnings, with the minimum level currently set at $3.15 million and the maximum at $6.3 million.
Ends/Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:30
NNNN