Rescue community honors Mikko Saastamoinen with protest in Kangasniemi, Finland

Mikko Saastamoinen, a rescue worker, tragically lost his life on October 1 during a cycling trip in Kangasniemi when he was struck by a drunk driver. The driver is under investigation for serious drunk driving and drug-related offenses. In remembrance of Saastamoinen, the rescue community organized a silent protest on Wednesday evening to honor his memory and raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence. Rescue vehicles across the country halted for five minutes at 6 PM.

Saastamoinen worked for the South Karelia Fire Department and was a valued member of the South Savo Fire Department in Kangasniemi. He was also internationally recognized in his field. His untimely death has touched many, with dozens gathering for the silent protest at a parking lot in Kangasniemi. Tuomo Halmeslahti, the Chief of the South Savo Fire Department, remarked on the fragility of life, suggesting that a few seconds could have made a difference.

Halmeslahti described the protest as memorable and warmth-filled, despite its somber reason. Seppo Lokka, the head of rescue and safety operations for the South Savo Fire Department, noted that participants from across Europe joined the protest, including members from fire services in Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Some of Saastamoinen’s colleagues internationally participated by wearing reflective vests during their commutes.

Saastamoinen was named Firefighter of the Year in 2020 and was known for training colleagues both in Finland and abroad. He is survived by his partner and five children. According to Statistics Finland, this year has seen six fatalities due to alcohol-related incidents involving either bystanders or passengers of intoxicated drivers, with 1,758 traffic accidents resulting in personal injury reported thus far.