Funeral with full honors held in Hong Kong for late firefighter Ho Wai-ho

HONG KONG - The Fire Services Department of the Hong Kong special administrative region government on Friday held an official funeral service with full honors for the late firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who sacrificed his life battling a major blaze in Tai Po. John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR and a host of senior HKSAR government officials attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

The solemn service kicked off at around 10 am at the Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom, Kowloon. Ho's casket was carried on a fire engine converted into a hearse, a tribute befitting his line of duty.

Upon the conclusion of the official rites, the hearse departed the parlour. Lee, accompanied by government officials and fellow firefighters, stood in formation outside the venue, saluting Ho for the final time as the vehicle pulled away.

The procession then made its way to Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po for a roadside memorial, before heading to Sha Tin Fire Station, Ho's former unit. There, Andy Yeung Yan-kin, director of Fire Services of the HKSAR government, led a contingent of firefighters in rendering a final salute to their fallen comrade. The hearse later proceeded to Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek for the interment ceremony.

Ho was critically injured while performing firefighting and rescue duties at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov 26 and unfortunately sacrificed his life on duty. The fire was later upgraded to a No 5 alarm fire.

On Dec 11, the FSD posthumously promoted Ho to the honorary title of Senior Fireman, recognizing his exemplary service and selfless dedication during firefighting and rescue operations.