PHOTO: It’s only fitting that, on a day that pays tribute to firefighters, the city of Sandpoint held a pinning ceremony to recognize Zach Ukich’s new rank as captain.
The ceremony was part of an effort by Sandpoint Mayor Shelby Rognstad and City Council to honor the city’s firefighters on International Firefighters Day.
International Firefighters Day is recognized around much of the globe annually on May 4, in remembrance of five Australian firefighters who lost their lives battling a fire in the Australian state of Victoria on Dec. 2, 1998.
May 4 was chosen because of the connection between firefighters and St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, and brewers. The date is recognized as a feast day in the Catholic faith for St. Florian. It also is why the Cross of St. Florian remains a common symbol for firefighters and the organizations which support them.