Current events

Firemen on Paper

György Moldova, one of Hungary’s most famous and widely-read writers, paid a visit to Paks on March 17, 2010. First, he visited the Municipal Fire Department and then NPP Fire Service in search for hands-on information on firemen for his new work still in hand. Making use of this opportunity, I made a personal interview with György Moldova, which was a great pleasure and even greater honour for me. Ret. Fire Col. István Májer from Fire Department of Budapest, with both family ties to the city of Paks and personal ones to the local fire fighting traditions, accompanied the famous writer. Ret. Fire Col. István Csőglei, author of the book on the history of Municipal Fire Department and NPP Fire Service, was also present at the interview.
Graduated from the Editing Department of the College of Dramatic Art Budapest, György Moldova was born in Budapest in 1934. Since 1964, he has been making a living as a freelance writer. Author of more than 70 books. In mid ‘60s, he joined the Radio Cabaret staff in 1983 the satirical weekly ‘Ludas Matyi’, and in 1984/85 he wrote for the daily ‘Magyar Nemzet’. His literary activity covers a wide scope of classically structured prose works and stage plays, satirical writings, reports and aphorisms.
Based on investigative background work, his report books, exploring the worries of various economic areas, professions, occupations or regions, scored the highest success. (‘Tisztelet Komlónak’, ‘Akit a mozdony füstje megcsapott’, ‘A szent tehén’, ‘Az Őrség panasza’, etc.). His decorations are SZOT Award, József Attila Award, Karinthy Ring, Kossuth Prize, Nagy Lajos Prize, Maecenas Award, MSZOSZ Award, Demény Pál Memorial Coin, collective Pulitzer Prize, Public Security Golden Prize, Decoration ‘Golden Whistle’ (as honorary railwayman), International Satire Prize ‘Hitar Petar’ from Bulgaria.
The renowned writer is back on track again, working on another topic of high interest. Writings on various societal groups, i.e. coal miners, textile and railway workers have already left his pen, and now he is about to write a book on firemen.
- “Why firemen of all?”, I asked Mr. Moldova.
- “It ‘s been recently on my mind”, told Mr. Moldova, “to introduce a community that I once had an opportunity to train long years ago when I worked as a resident teacher in Aszód. So, I was looking for a collective that I could really have a good grasp of. Years ago, I was already requested to write a book on firemen but I did not yet feel up to dealing with it. Quite a long time to write two books, one on Ormánság and one on Miskolc, has passed since then. Well, I do not think too much of today’s world but I guess that there is just one body throughout in this country that is still worthy of the trust of the Hungarian people.”
- How did you set about it and how are you progressing with collection work?
- As a first step, I called on Mr. Péter Bende, Fire Chief of Budapest, who offered me support to realize my plans. As a frequent guest at the Fire Department of Budapest, I went round fire brigades, so I was present at live alarms, as well, talked much with fire personnel and established personal relations. I was learning much about firemen’s work even while I had a 24-hour duty. I have read a lot and collected much material for my book. I must tell you that I have a special sense, i.e. sense of ‘sensation’. So, I can really say that something is bound to happen anywhere I show up. It’s not me who generates rows but much things, nothing to be proud of, are sure to come about for reasons beyond my control.”
- How much could you become an expert in firemen’s profession? Have you already got an overall picture?
- “So far, I had no professional skills at all, but now I have become acquainted with the basic vocabulary, and “can express” myself in firemen’s lingo. I am out to publish only what I can gauge personally. I write this book for no pecuniary consideration – my only request to the Fire Chief of Budapest was that they shouldn’t forbid me to express my views about this or that. I am glad to say that I’ve been given a free hand. I was allowed to turn out together with the fire crew whenever I wanted to, and has total freedom to speak with anybody anytime. Although my book is going to be about professional firefighters, I have visited and listened to volunteers, as well. It was a great pleasure for me to meet, here in Paks, Uncle Pista Csőglei, a great name in firemen’s circles.
I am also interested in everything about firefighters just like a romantic youngster is, i.e. to fancy their lives and to face them in reality. As always, I am determined to issue a fair book, therefore I refuse all forms of influence. Although not being authorized to do so, it is my conviction that I have to represent firemen’s interests. My book will also reflect this attitude. It is not going to be about the history of fire services, to offer any analysis or depict the structure; instead, it is intended to show that I’ve spent some time among firefighters and give an expression to my experience, thoughts and opinion in this respect.”
In our conversation, István Májer mentioned that representation organizations have a key role in the assertion of firemen’s rights and interests but a writer like György Moldova, Hungary’s internationally renowned artist, can have an even more important mission – his writings are read by masses of people who will become familiar with fire services as he has seen them. And his way of seeing things is quite different from ours because we, firefighters, live this life in reality and are blind to certain aspects thereof. That is why his thoughts are so interesting!

Tűzvonalban
by Anna Lovásziné
17. Márc 2010