The promotions were announced during a ceremony held in Kuajok Town on Wednesday and presided over by Acting Governor Aluel Garang, who also serves as the state’s deputy governor.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor, the officers were elevated to various ranks ranging from junior positions to senior command levels, including Major General, Colonel, Captain and First Lieutenant.
Among those promoted was the Director of Civil Defense, Maj. Gen. Deng Majak Akuoc, who was elevated from the rank of Brigadier General.
State officials said the promotions recognize the officers’ service while reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a stronger and more effective emergency response institution capable of protecting lives and property.
Addressing the ceremony, Warrap State Minister of Information William Wol Mayom congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to prioritize fire prevention and rapid response, particularly as Kuajok Town continues to experience recurring fire outbreaks in residential areas and marketplaces.
He stressed that the Civil Defense Forces have a critical responsibility not only to respond to emergencies but also to promote preventive measures that reduce the risk of devastating fires.
“It is your duty to ensure preventive measures are in place,” Wol said. “Facilities such as petrol stations should be established at safe distances from densely populated residential areas to minimize the risk of fire outbreaks.”
The minister also called for increased investment in the state’s firefighting capacity, including the recruitment and training of more young people to serve in the Civil Defense Forces.
He said expanding the workforce would improve the state’s ability to respond to emergencies while ensuring that firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers and other specialized tools, is operated by trained personnel.
Acting Governor Aluel Garang echoed those concerns, warning that the dry season often brings an increased risk of fire incidents across the state. She urged the newly promoted officers to remain vigilant and dedicated to protecting communities from preventable disasters.
Garang reminded the officers that the ranks they had earned came with greater responsibility and called on them to serve the public with humility, integrity and professionalism despite the challenges associated with their duties.
“Use the ranks you have earned for the good of the nation. Let fire prevention remain your primary responsibility,” she said.
Beyond responding to fires, Garang noted that the Civil Defense Forces also have an important role to play in supporting security efforts whenever necessary.
Warrap State has for years grappled with communal violence, cattle raids and armed banditry, creating additional security challenges that often require coordinated responses from multiple state institutions.
The acting governor encouraged the officers to remain committed to supporting Governor Amb. Bol Wek Agoth’s efforts to promote peace and stability across the state while safeguarding civilians.
“These ranks belong to the nation, but your hearts must remain committed to protecting civilians and supporting efforts to maintain peace and security,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with messages of encouragement from state officials, who expressed hope that the promotions would boost morale within the Civil Defense Forces and improve the state’s capacity to prevent and respond to fire emergencies.
Authorities also acknowledged that limited firefighting equipment remains a major challenge, but said strengthening the force through promotions and continued recruitment is an important step toward enhancing public safety and disaster preparedness in Warrap State.
