Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

Hong Kong firefighters have been honoured for their heroic response to November’s deadly Tai Po fire – the city’s worst in decades – at the 13th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, which celebrates unsung heroes who contribute to the community or inspire others through stories of resilience and perseverance.The Fire Services Department received an appreciation flag at the awards co-organised by South China Morning Post and Sino Group at the Conrad Hong Kong, where 10 winners were selected from 27 finalists.Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu paid tribute to the winners, describing them as “role models for Hong Kong” whose optimism and firm determination have made a lasting impact on the city.“They are ordinary people who, through their selfless and painstaking efforts … make an extraordinary difference for Hong Kong, our home,” Lee said. “We call them ‘unsung heroes’. But tonight, we are here to sing their praises.”Alibaba’s Joe Tsai (second right) and fire services chief Andy Yeung hold the appreciation flag on stage, alongside the SCMP’s Tammy Tam (left), Ocean Park’s Paolo Pong (second left) and Sino Group’s Nikki Ng. Photo: Eugene LeeLee highlighted that while the evening was a celebration of individual achievement, it also reflected the wider community’s commitment to mutual support.