Michael helping to keep you safe

People

By LORRAINE JIMAL
WHEN he dropped out of school after Grade Six, Michael Konaigawi was picked with a few others from his village to join the new fire station set up in Wewak, East Sepik.
Today, 46 years later, he is the fire station commander.
“When I dropped out of the formal education system after Grade Six, my parents and grandparents never lost faith in me. They supported me all the way and I will always be grateful for that.”
Michael is from Avatip village in the Ambunti-Drekikier district of East Sepik. He was born on Oct 9, 1955.
He is married and has two sons and three daughters. Today he also has nine grandchildren.
He was 19 when he joined the Wewak Fire Service on May 23, 1974.
He started on probation and two months later became a permanent employee.
He worked for six years at the fire station in Kimbe, West New Britain before returning to Wewak.
One of the most difficult times he faced was when he could not get accommodation for his family in Kimbe.
He had to travel from Talasea district to Kimbe – a round trip of 17 miles every day – to go to work. His family had to be accommodated by his brother in-law who was working for the district administration.
“At one point, I was desperate. I went to the district officer and begged him to provide me and my family government accommodation.”
On Dec 8, 2005 he was promoted to shift supervisor. On April 24, 2013, he became an acting inspector. On Dec 9, 2015 he was promoted to the rank of superintendent.
He never regretted taking the oath to protect lives and properties from the danger of fires.

“ Given the circumstances leading to my enlistment as a firefighter, I consider my career as a mission from God.”

“Given the circumstances leading to my enlistment as a firefighter, I consider my career as a mission from God. I thank the fire service for having faith in me in giving me opportunities to gain skills and move up the ladder.
“I will continue to serve the PNG Fire Service with utmost loyalty and dedication as long as I’m allowed and able to.”
He also thanks the East Sepik government and the Assembly of God for helping and supporting him in his career by improving his management skills through training and courses he attended.
He is a member of various boards in the church and government organisation, the ESP coordination and monitoring committee, emergency provincial disaster committee member, ESP building board, PNG Ports security committee national airport cooperation, provincial activity committee and the AOG church in Wewak.
Above all, he thanks God for providing him knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
Now at 65, Michael is not ready to hang up his firefighting tools yet. He wants to mentor as many young people as he can to pursue a career in the fire service.
“Perseverance produces character and character defines destiny. Those who persevere will go through any circumstance life throws your way and always end up a winner.”
He knows it worked for him.