TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced on Monday (Jan. 13) that the government will invest NT$28.5 billion in 24 projects to upgrade firefighting equipment and improve facilities. This initiative, unveiled at the Office of the President (總統府), aims to enhance disaster response and reduce risks for frontline personnel.
President Lai emphasized the integration of AI in occupational safety management and the provision of subsidies to counties and cities for purchasing drones and rescue robots. He noted that global climate change has led to extreme weather and complex disasters occurring more frequently, praising the bravery of firefighters at accident scenes. He also highlighted the solidarity among volunteer firefighters, fire prevention advocates, and rescue volunteers in disaster relief efforts.
Lai pledged to strengthen the support system for firefighters, including establishing a psychological care mechanism with stress detection and counseling services. He stated that the government will continue to implement a reasonable shift system and alleviate the workload of firefighters through regular reviews of task allocation and manpower distribution.
In terms of manpower, President Lai confirmed the completion of the 3,000-person increase within 5 years from 2019 and announced plans to recruit an additional 3,000 firefighters between 2024 and 2028. He revealed that the government's commitment to enhancing firefighting capabilities reflects a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring the safety and well-being of both emergency responders and the public.
