Airport moves to prioritise fire and service personnel

As part of continued nation efforts to recognize those who serve the people, fire and rescue personnel are now entitled to priority boarding at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Airport authorities said Wednesday that fire and rescue personnel with valid certificates can enjoy priority ticket purchasing, check-ins, security checks and boarding, along with two family members.

The development is the most recent among the country’s establishment of an honor system to pay respect to fire and rescue personnel. The move aims to give firefighters a greater sense of pride and responsibility.

Responsible for the fire and rescue service, firefighters work in one of the most respected professions, responding to any number of dangerous situations in a bid to safeguard people's lives and property.

Between 2000 and 2018, 248 firefighters died in the line of duty, according to data released by the Ministry of Emergency Management’s Fire and Rescue Bureau.

In March, 27 firefighters, with an average age of 23, died while battling a forest fire in southwest China's Sichuan province. The youngest firefighter caught in the tragedy was just 18 years old.