IAFC expresses condolences over Iran explosion victims
May 15, 2004
On Feb. 23, IAFC Executive Director Garry Briese sent a letter to the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran within the Pakistan Embassy expressing the IAFC’s condolences over the lives lost in the explosion following a railroad train derailment in the city of Neyshabur.
The director of the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran responded March 3 with a letter of thanks along with a framed picture of Arg e Bam (below).
IAFC’s letter
I am writing to express our deepest concerns and sympathies to the nation of Iran and especially to the surviving families of the fire fighters and other rescue workers who died in the explosion following the railroad train derailment in the city of Neyshabur.
The selfless efforts of the Iranian fire fighters and rescue workers to try to contain the fire following the derailment have been mirrored throughout the world in too many tragedies similar to Neyshabur.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs represents the senior leadership of the fire and emergency services organizations in the United States, Canada and several other nations. We have over 12,000 members, and we are significantly concerned about fire fighter safety and community preparedness for fires, emergencies and disasters.
The recent earthquake and the tragedy at Neyshabur have been a double-blow to your nation. It is our hope that your nation can begin to rebuild from these tragedies and that you will never face a similar situation such as Neyshabur in the future.
If there is anything that we can do to assist the Iranian fire service from what we have learned with similar tragedies, please do not hesitate to contact me.
With our deepest sympathies,
Garry L. Briese, CAE, IAFC Executive Director
Iranian reply
Dear Mr. Briese:
This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 23, 2004 in which you have so graciously expressed your sympathy and warm sentiments regarding the recent railroad disaster in Iran that took the lives of so many of our countrymen. We also would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your noble act of assisting the victims of the Bam earthquake. Please accept this small token of our appreciation as memorabilia for your contingent’s courageous efforts in Bam which proved that you are among those who know no boundaries when it comes to offering a helping hand. May the Almighty bless all who struggle in His path.
Sincerely,
Ali Jazini, Director
|
