“I’m not a hero, just a servant”

The leader for a team of firefighters who got dangerously close to the blazing fuel tank at the Matautu wharf on Monday has downplayed widespread praises for their bravery.Approached by the Weekend Observer for a comment, Commander of Operations, Aleaga Fuafiva, said they were merely carrying out the work they exist to do.“All the glory belongs to God,” he said. “He is the one who kept Samoa safe. In saying that, I don’t consider myself a hero, I am just a servant who was doing what I’m supposed to do.”But many members of the public disagree. They have heaped praises on the work of Mr. Fuafiva and his team, heralding their efforts and commending their bravery. Some have gone as far as to call on the government to honour the work of the firemen with a special bravery award.\Of course lives were at risk. We also had properties to protect including the government’s properties. There were so many people that could have been affected.”According to Mr. Fuafiva