After over four decades of servicing the country as a firefighter in the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Fire Service, Bernard Temu from Central province has called time after 45 years of commitment and dedication to the people.
Growing up in the developing city of Port Moresby in the early 1960’s and 70’s, Bernard’s love for firefighting developed when he was a young boy. He witnessed the old engines from the Boroko Fire station put out a fire at a home next to where he resided at Sogeri.
“I was still a young lad playing with my little brother when I first set my eyes on a fire engine and was inspired by the strength those men had to risk their lives. There and then I told my little brother that I was going to be a firefighter,” Temu said.
After finishing form-1 at De La Selle High School at Bomana, Temu said he stayed home for almost two years before he eventually got enlisted and became a fireman in 1977.
“To be a firefighter was my childhood dream, and to finally be one was the proudest moment of my life. The feeling was unreal,” Temu said.
He was first posted at Port Moresby in 1977 where he spent 5 years at the Boroko Fire Station before moving over to Popondetta in the Northern Province. Temu said it was quite challenging at some point, leaving the capital to go over to a new place, but his commitment and fondness of the job compelled him to go wherever he was needed.
“I came to Popondetta in 83, then served 1 year in Madang [1990], returned to POM in 1991, stayed 6 months and returned to Popondetta till my retirement this year,” Temu added.
He further added that he is proud of what he has achieved over the years and is proud that his legacy in the Fire Department lives on through his son, who is also a fireman.
“It is not all the time you see a father and son battle the flames together, I am so proud that my own flesh and blood will carry on the Temu legacy as a fire fighter and to serve the Government with honour to save lives.”