Deeply emotional and visibly shaken, the Director of the Cyprus Fire Service, fire chief Nikos Longinos, appeared live on Sigma TV on Thursday night, delivering a tearful, heartfelt defence of his team’s actions during the devastating wildfires in mountainous Limassol.
When asked about how the Fire Service responded to the crisis, Longinos was overcome with emotion, pausing before declaring:
“I want to thank you for your kind words. I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to save lives, to save homes. And if we need to sacrifice ourselves, we will. Because you should know- we swore to give our lives.”
The moment quickly spread online, resonating with many across Cyprus who watched as the fire chief was moved to tears describing the weight of his team’s duty. The clip has become one of the most powerful images of the crisis, not only because of what was said, but because of who said it.
A response to criticism
Longinos also took a moment to address the criticism being levelled at the Fire Service in recent days- criticism he did not dismiss, but urged the public to express responsibly.
“Criticism is part of the job,” he said. “But it should not destroy the people who are making the effort- who are out there, trying to save lives, trying to save homes, or anything else we managed to save.”
He reminded viewers that firefighters are human beings:
“They have children. They have families. And when they hear this kind of harsh criticism, sometimes it humiliates them. It affects their mental state, and we need them. We need them out there, working.”
The statement struck a chord at a time when tensions are high and blame is circulating across social media and traditional news. In contrast, Longinos’ words served as a plea for compassion and unity; for recognition of those who stood between villages and fire, many without sleep, and some without even time to grieve.
More than a job
The wildfires have left a trail of loss and destruction, but they have also revealed the faces behind the response: tired, soot-covered, often silent and, in this case, visibly heartbroken.
In moments like this, the uniform becomes more than a role. As Longinos reminded the country:
“We swore to give our lives.”
Watch the moment here:
Also read: 29-year-old credited as the hero who saved Koilani from the fire
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