“It’s a noble and responsible mission”: Tokayev congratulates rescuers on their professional holiday

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstan’s rescuers on their professional holiday, emphasizing the strategic importance of the civil protection system and expressing deep gratitude to “the heroes of peaceful times".

“The first article of our Constitution declares that a person and their life are the highest values of the state. Every employee in the field of civil protection works selflessly for the safety of the country and the well-being of our citizens. To be a rescuer means to be constantly ready for any emergency, to save lives regardless of danger. This is indeed a very noble and responsible mission,” Tokayev said.

The President noted that rescuers bore the greatest burden during natural disasters in recent years — saving people from floods and fighting large-scale forest fires in Kostanay, Semey, and other regions.

“When visiting affected regions, I personally witnessed your heroic work. Thanks to your professionalism and determination, we managed to overcome all challenges together. Over the past five years, emergency workers have saved around 225,000 lives. They also took part in humanitarian missions abroad, demonstrating their high professional standards and contributing to Kazakhstan’s international reputation,” he said.

Tokayev emphasized that rescuers always think of the country’s well-being and safeguard the safety of citizens. He assured that the state will continue to modernize the civil protection system and expand support for emergency services.

“Risking one’s life to save others is a true act of heroism. People in danger expect help from rescuers, and today our emergency personnel fulfill their duty with honor. Many of them have given their lives in the line of duty — over the past 30 years, 72 rescuers have died heroically,” Tokayev said.

He added that Kazakhstan must preserve the memory of these brave citizens:

“We will always remember their names. Their courage is an example of patriotism and devotion to their oath. As our proverb says: ‘Labor leads to heroism, and heroism leads to honor.’ Our steadfast rescuers are making a great contribution to building a Just and Safe Kazakhstan.”