A heart for

Fighting fires

Who doesn't want to be a fire-fighter or in the police when they grow up? Both jobs are filled by everyday heroes, who often put their lives at risk to save others. Around 16,000 women and men, professionals and volunteers alike, in 250 Belgian fire departments are ready to go into action 24 hours of every day, 7 days of every week. Fighting fires, but also dispensing aid to those suffering from suffocation, rescuing those in danger of drowning, saving people from collapsing buildings, floods and so much more. An exciting, multifaceted job then, be dangerous too.

Career in the police

Anyone who fancies a career in the police can chose from a dozen or so different jobs. On the beat in the neighbourhood, on the road in the traffic police, in the mounted division, a detective, in the specials; the list is long. And even once you've settled in, no two days are the same, so it's good for the mind, and for the body - you'll have to be in tiptop physical condition. What you get is a practical, challenging career with lots of variety. With plenty of room for your own creativity, but a lot of overtime. Your nights and weekends are not sacred.

Civil Defence

Civil Defence; protecting civilians... Civil Defence took root during the Second World War. It offered help after bombing attacks, clearing rubble among other things. The war came to a end, but civil defence blossomed. Its job description changed of course. Alongside fire-fighters and the police, civil defence is an important mechanism for dealing with serious disasters and accidents. Its interventions and missions are as enthralling as they are varied, but they are not without danger: supporting fire-fighters to battle large fires, filling sandbags and protecting of worldly possessions when they are threatened by storms and floods, clearing up after accidents distributing food and water, combating pollution. One of its most important duties is finding and saving people involved in serious road and rail accidents, explosions or cave-ins. It also provides personnel and equipment logistics support for fire departments, police and emergency services. Civil defence is home to both professionals and volunteers with one thing in common: a dedication to protect!

Nursing

Nursing, a stimulating career, a rewarding job! Nursing is not only a highly skilled vocation - giving injections and taking care of infusions - but also a care career in which patience an dedication are key. Nurses are admired for that word of comfort, that gesture of kindness for those most in need of it. Nursing professionals gain a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from the work. For school leavers looking for security, training as a nurse is a stable career choice for years to come.

Daily contacts

From the postillons of old on their trusty steeds, to the post carriers of today, wind and rain have always done their best to disrupt post delivery. The postman is the standard-bearer of The Post, its most important PR representative. People have always had a need to communicate with each other, to exchange news. Postmen are the best way to communicate with customers and clients. And they have a social function too, based on their daily contacts with the population.

Valentine's Day

St Valentine, a friend to lovers. This Italian bishop who lived in the 3rd century has given the world a wonderful day, which has grown into the most romantic of our year. It's the perfect day to say, "I love you" to those we hold dear - lovers, parents, children or simply friends. And give them a gift or a bunch of flowers of course. St Valentine's or Valentine's Day is always the first big festival of the year.
Issue: Belgium, 27 January 2003

More information

Postage Stamps 2003
Stamps of Belgium