On April 17, Ukraine celebrates the professional holiday – Fire Protection Day (Ukrainian). Burnt Horoni Day).
But it must be said that since 2014, Ukraine has had two laws allowing the country’s firefighters to celebrate their professional holiday twice a year.
The history of Firefighters Day began in 1995, when the President of Ukraine signed Decree «On Firefighters Day», according to which January 29 was set as the date of celebration. This state of affairs continued until 2004, when a new Decree was issued establishing a new holiday: the Day of Civil Protection Workers, which was to be celebrated annually on September 17. At the same time, the Laws of 1995 «On Fire System Workers Day» and 1998 «On Rescuer Day» lost force. From that moment on, both firefighters and rescuers celebrated a general professional holiday, the date of celebration of which was September 17.
Four years later, in 2008, this holiday was renamed Rescuer Day. The date of the celebration was preserved for September 17 (the Decree on which is still in force).
However, in October 2013, the President of Ukraine signed Decree № 555/2013 «On Fire Protection Day», according to which a new professional holiday for Ukrainian firefighters was established, and the date of its celebration was set as April 17. At the same time, Decree «On Rescuer Day» has not lost its force.
Considering the fact that the text of the 2008 Decree «On Rescuer Day» clearly stipulates the participation of fire services in saving lives, it can be argued that Ukrainian firefighters can safely celebrate their professional holiday twice a year: April 17 and September 17.
Such legislative conflicts do not in the least detract from the merits of people who are every minute ready to risk their own lives in the fight against the fiery elements. Often the struggle for human life causes the death of firefighters themselves. But this is their job, which they do conscientiously and selflessly.
Therefore, on April 17, they celebrate the merits of fire department employees who distinguished themselves in eliminating fires, the consequences of natural disasters or man-made disasters, where they sometimes simply cannot do without their professional help. Congratulations are received by both fire department employees and support staff, fire service veterans, and teachers of specialized educational institutions. Those who especially distinguish themselves are awarded certificates, prizes, state awards, memorable gifts and signs. The holiday is not complete without commemorative events, when honors are given to comrades who died in the line of duty with the laying of flowers at monuments and memorials.