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Firemen in Polynesia
A fireman is someone trained to fight fires, floods and to provide a wide array of rescue services.

The term “fireman” (which literally translates as “pumpman” in French) comes from the hand pump which was used in the past to put out fires (before the advent of steam pumps and then internal combustion pumps). The term “sapper” historically stems from the fact that the first firemen corps set up by Napoleon I in France was a military engineering corps.

The duties and status of firemen differ from one country to another. In general, they include fire fighting, safety procedures and rescue in case of accidents or natural disasters, prompt emergency rescue (participation in emergency medical assistance). More generally the firemen’s mission is to protect the people, the goods, the economic capital goods and the environment (fight against natural disasters, rescues, first aid, pollution control). French Polynesia comprises 25 firemen corps. They are under the direct responsibility of municipalities.

There are 420 firemen in Polynesia, including 206 full-time fire fighters (municipal public servants) and 214 voluntary firemen. Their number has risen sharply over the past years.

This year, the Post and Telecommunications Office OPT has resolved to pay tribute to our brave fire fighters, who actively and devotedly look to our safety whatever the hour and whatever the accident.
Unit price: 370 FCFP (3,1 €)
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