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The Government announced today (April 30) that a sum of $3,402,600 under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Family Members of Those Who Sacrifice Their Lives to Save Others would be granted to the family members of the brave deceased fire officer, Mr Yeung Chun-kit.
Mr Yeung, a Senior Fireman, died on March 8 while on duty searching for and rescuing people possibly trapped in a No. 4 alarm fire at Lai Cheong Factory Building in Cheung Sha Wan.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, who chairs the committee approving the grants, paid tribute to Mr Yeung for his brave act.
"The late Mr Yeung displayed utmost bravery and selfless devotion to save and protect the lives of others during the firefighting operation. He remained loyal to the service and spared no effort to save his colleagues, risking his own life even in face of grave danger. His professionalism and gallantry command our greatest respect," Mr Cheung said.
"We deeply mourn the loss of such an outstanding and devoted public servant. The grant represents the Government's recognition of his act of exceptional courage and gallantry of the highest order. We sincerely hope that the financial assistance can provide some relief to his 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 and maximum levels set currently at around $3.4 million and $6.8 million respectively.
Ends/Friday, April 30, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:20
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