This morning, the Fourth Disaster Relief and Ambulance Brigade of the New Taipei City Government Fire Department held the “First Half of 2018 Physical Fitness Training, Hiking, and Prayer Event for Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, and Their Families” at Taiping Temple in Xindian District. Numerous firefighters, volunteers, and their families took part in a family-friendly hiking trip, joyfully stating, “This activity allowed us to connect with each other and we gained so much!”
The event was attended by New Taipei City Fire Bureau Director Huang De-ching, the Volunteer Firefighter Corps, top-level officials from the Fire Bureau, and cadres from various levels of the volunteer firefighting teams, with a total of 1,200 participants. Organized to enhance the morale of firefighting, disaster relief, prevention, and rescue volunteer teams, as well as to build physical strength, the hiking and prayer activity not only promoted energy-saving and carbon-reduction awareness, but also encouraged active leisure activities and the development of exercise habits. Participants also had the chance to admire the beautiful natural landscape.
The hiking trail is located in a famous New Taipei City tourist spot — the west bank of Bitan and the He Mei Mountain Nature Trail. It features a looped trail divided into a water-friendly green route and a mountain-friendly blue route. With its complete mountain terrain and rich ecology, the area attracts a variety of insects, animals, and birds, forming a natural ecological paradise. It offers visitors a great place for hiking and observing wildlife, making it a hiking trail suitable for all ages.
Participants included firefighters, volunteer firefighters, their families, and local representatives. In addition to the hiking, prayer, and fitness activities, there were also raffles, group meals, and lively song and dance performances. These interactive moments helped strengthen the camaraderie among firefighters, disaster relief workers, prevention officers, and rescuers. The event expressed gratitude to the hardworking volunteer firefighters and their families, acknowledged their support for fire safety efforts, and recognized their dedication in various rescue operations. Together, they help protect the safety of New Taipei citizens and make New Taipei a safer city.