By Dr. Leila Mona Ganiem
"That's my son. He's also a firefighter like me, my father, and my grandfather. We are proud to serve the people of Góra Kalwaria," says Max, a firefighter standing in front of the town's fire station.
Góra Kalwaria, a small Polish town steeped in history and tradition, has an invisible force that is deeply rooted in the hearts of its residents: the spirit of protecting one another.
In this town, firefighting is more than just a job; it is a calling passed down from generation to generation.
Max is not the only one who feels proud to be part of this tradition. Among the town's residents, volunteering as a firefighter is a symbol of local heroism, with its members often seen as true heroes who are always ready to face danger for the safety of others.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Góra Kalwaria in Poland, at the NMUGGA Shadowing Program to Poland entitled "North Maluku Urban Good Governance", passionately explained to the Indonesian delegation how the fire service in the city is run by the community.
"It's not just about protecting buildings or saving property," the Mayor explained. "It's about protecting heritage, culture, and most importantly, the lives of the people who have entrusted their safety to us."
The reasons why so many Góra Kalwaria residents want to volunteer as firefighters are varied, but all are rooted in a sense of community spirit and belonging.
For many, it's a way to stay in close contact with neighbors, friends, and family. The city's fire department has become a place where individuals, young and old, feel a sense of belonging, build skills, and gain personal satisfaction.
