WATCH: A tragedy to one is a tragedy to all
A convoy led by the Honeydew Police fleet, saw blue, red and white flashing lights and sirens travel from Clearwater Mall to Cradlestone Mall, an approximate distance of 10km, as a sign of awareness and respect
First responders in both the public and private sectors who have tragically lost their lives while responding to a duty call were honoured by their counterparts on Thursday, 17 October.
Over 80 branded vehicles from various security companies, Community Policing Forums, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Mogale City Public Order, ambulance services and the police all paid their respects to the fallen heroes they lost in the course of this year.
A convoy led by the Honeydew Police fleet, saw blue, red and white flashing lights and sirens travel from Clearwater Mall to Cradlestone Mall, an approximate distance of 10km, as a sign of awareness and respect.
This sincere event was organised by BCI Security in association with Fallen Heroes, a group that honours fallen law enforcement personnel. One of its founding members, George Moraitis from Guardians Security, enlightened the Record/Northsider about the purpose of the event. “The aim was to bring awareness to the public especially with the private security industry losing its members in the line of duty,” he said, thanking the directors of BCI, Corinda and Johnny Loots, for initiating the campaign.
Moraitis added that they aim to host such events annually. “Our first event was last year when we decided to honour the lives of the firefighters who died while fighting the fire at the Bank of Lisbon building at the Johannesburg CDB,” he explained.
Corinda reflected on organising this massive and successful event. “We really had very little sleep while trying to get this event together and I would like to thank Captain Karen Jacobs from Honeydew Police Station and BCI’s Rudi Holtzhausen, who went all out to make the event a success. This was also to show that we can work together as security companies – if one falls, we all fall, and if one fights, we all fight,” she said.
Captain Jacobs weighed in on the initiative. “I think this was a great initiative, especially on the eve of the launch of the festive season. I think this shows that we can work together, and as joint forces we are ready to tackle the festive season,” she said.
She also cited the importance of honouring the fallen members. “It’s not just police members or JMPD officers that get killed – security officers are always in the first line of defence. EMS medics as well – we know how they’ve been attacked the last few months. From the police, we would like to say that we are privileged to know that we have outside support from other sources.”
Before the attendees dispersed, several speeches were given, a moment of silence was observed, and a Fallen Heroes banner was signed by all and presented to the police.
Alfred Steyn, the national general manager of Fidelity Security, concluded by thanking both malls for allowing them to utilise their properties for this great cause.
