Valedictorian of Fire Prevention and Fighting University promoted a year early

Chi Cuong, 23 years old, was promoted to lieutenant a year early because he graduated with honors and was valedictorian of the Fire Prevention and Fighting University.

Nguyen Chi Cuong graduated with an average score of 8.61/10. The young man from Da Nang is one of 96 valedictorians honored by the Hanoi People's Committee on October 10, and is also the only representative of the police force to be on the list of honorees this year.

"I often set small, short-term goals for each semester or school year. Therefore, becoming valedictorian is an achievement beyond my expectations," Cuong said.

Lieutenant Nguyen Chi Cuong, valedictorian of the Fire Prevention and Fighting University. Photo: Provided by the character

Growing up in a family with a father in the army, and many acquaintances also studying Security and Police, Cuong soon set a goal of joining the People's Public Security Force. When they learned that their son had chosen the Fire Command Department of the Fire Prevention and Fighting University, Cuong's parents supported him, although they were worried that their son would have a hard time studying 800 km away from home.

Cuong admitted that at that time, he was so excited about the new journey that he didn't think much about it. He lived in a dormitory with 7 other classmates, coming from many provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Phu Tho , Quang Binh, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh.

"I didn't know anyone and was far from home, so at first I was quite shy and reluctant to communicate. Before, when I was sick, my parents would take care of me, but now I have to take care of myself and don't dare call home, which would make my parents worry even more," Cuong said, saying it took about a month to get used to his friends and gradually adapt to student life.

Cuong's study program lasted four years, of which the first three years were mainly spent on physical training, theory, simulation, and subjects related to police work. Physical subjects were a big challenge for Cuong. In addition to compulsory sports and activities such as long jump, running, and horizontal bars, firefighters must learn how to regulate their breathing.

Cuong explained that when participating in firefighting, soldiers must wear protective gear and carry very heavy oxygen tanks. If they are out of breath due to fatigue or panic, the oxygen in the tank will quickly run out, reducing work efficiency.

"I'm used to it now. A day without sports feels like a day off. Exercise also helps me stay healthy and sleep better," Cuong said.

As the class monitor, he often proactively asked the teacher for the outline right at the beginning of the course. As the lecture progressed, Cuong would summarize the answers to each question in the outline, ask for feedback from the teacher, and then share it with his classmates.

Major Tran Anh Tuan, an officer of the Student Management Department of the Fire Prevention and Fighting University, is Cuong's homeroom teacher. Teacher Tuan commented that Cuong is diligent, eager to learn, and is a trusted deputy class monitor, despite being the youngest in the class. Thanks to that, Cuong's class always has the best academic results of the course.

According to Mr. Tuan, Cuong is good at everything, especially professional subjects. With the advantage of English, Cuong often goes online to consult foreign documents on fire prevention and fighting and rescue.

"Cuong's dream is to become a real fire police officer, saving people and property in all situations," the teacher said.

A memorable memory for Cuong was his internship at the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Team of Hoan Kiem District last year. During a firefighting session, Cuong went up to the third floor and carried an old man out safely.

At first, he planned to take the man by the stairs, but because there was too much smoke, Cuong carried the victim down the balcony to the house next door, and down the fire escape. When he reached safety, Cuong received thanks from the victim and his family, his face covered in coal dust.

"I cannot describe the feeling of happiness and emotion. Before that, the victim also said he trusted the firefighters, that gave me a lot of motivation," Cuong recalled.

Cuong carries an old man from the third floor of a burning building to the ground safely, 2022. Photo: Character provided

Graduating in October 2022, Cuong returned to his hometown of Da Nang and took up a job at the Cam Le District Police. Cuong honestly said that when he became valedictorian, he thought he was very solid in theory and expertise. However, when he no longer participated in firefighting as a student or intern, and no longer had seniors or teachers to support him, Cuong realized that he had become complacent.

Majoring in Fire Command, Cuong's position upon graduation was squad leader (the person in command of a fire truck). He had to decide on all activities of the entire fire truck crew. In addition to understanding the situation and choosing the fire fighting method, Cuong also had to ensure the safety of the soldiers on board.

"Before, I was guided, now I am the one making the decisions. I was psychologically confused and confused about my role and judgments," Cuong said.

Understanding that if he did not quickly improve and change, the price to pay would be very high, Cuong started by asking for advice and guidance from his seniors and superiors. Once he understood his role, he developed a habit of checking the tools on the fire truck every day. Because if the squad leader did not know the location and operation of each tool on the truck, it would affect the firefighting method. This also helped Cuong detect broken, malfunctioning equipment that needed immediate repair. He also participated in training with his crew members to grasp the personality and ability of each person, thereby assigning appropriate tasks.

"Gradually, I matured and became more confident and decisive. I consider myself lucky because I always had my seniors and teachers to accompany and guide me," Cuong shared.

Cuong at the unit. Photo: Character provided

With his achievements at the Fire Prevention and Fighting University, Cuong was promoted to lieutenant in June 2023, one year earlier than the standard deadline. Teacher Tuan said he was proud of his student's achievements.

"I know that Cuong quickly adapted to his duties when he returned to Da Nang to work. In the work of propaganda and training in fire prevention, fighting, and rescue, Cuong is loved and highly appreciated for his teaching ability. I believe that with his love for the job and eagerness to learn, Cuong will develop and become more successful," said Mr. Tuan.

The teacher added that in life, Cuong is kind-hearted, loves children and animals. He can help people unconditionally, often thinks positively and is responsible for his work.

When asked what he fears most about being a fire police officer, Cuong immediately answered: house fires. If he receives information about a house fire and people trapped, Cuong and his colleagues are nervous and worried, readying gas tanks and preparing rescue plans.

"In the few minutes from the headquarters to the scene, the entire crew was busy thinking about what to do and how to plan to put out the fire. I wasn't afraid or worried about myself and thought that all soldiers were the same," Cuong said.

Vnexpress.net