During the upcoming 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress, voices of grassroots delegates are expected to gather wisdom and increase the strength of China's overall development across all social sectors. Among the hundreds of grassroots CPC delegates like Gao Daqian who has served 21 years in firefighting, all have made remarkable achievements in their respective fields.

A firefighter in the city of Fushun, northeastern China's Liaoning Province, Gao recalled a day he says he "will never forget." 

On July 16, 2010, a fire broke out in Xingang Port's oil terminals in Dalian City, endangering storage tanks with a 100,000-cubic-meter capacity that could explode at any time.

After receiving the emergency call, Gao rushed to the front line. "The horrifying scene was unforgettable, with flames reaching dozens of meters into the air." 

He struggled to move, as explosions could be heard and felt in close proximity. "Our helmets were melted out of shape, and the ground was burning and sticky from crude oil. We could only swallow the smelly water from the firehose to quench our thirst. And we stood on the site for more than 10 hours," he said.

Finally, after five smoky days and sleepless nights, the fire was put out.

As serving the people wholeheartedly is the motto of the CPC, Gao has led by example: For 21 years, Gao has been at the frontline of over 3,800 fire accidents. His actions show the true spirit of firefighters who risk their lives to save others, and serve the nation courageously, and their dedication and commitment deserve much appreciation.

"When I was in the Xinfu fire station of Fushun, I encountered an elderly woman who lived nearby. Every time we trained, she looked at us from a distance. Later, I learned that she was an empty nester. So I set out to help her, leading my team to clean her home and bringing her groceries during special holidays. I felt obligated to help carry out the filial duties of her child", Gao said.

At the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress, grassroots members such as farmers, workers and technicians make up more than one third of all delegates, according to the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee. The spectrum of the delegates is broadly representative, with 2,296 CPC members from all ethnic groups expected to attend the event.

"I am very honored to be elected as a delegate to the 20th CPC National Congress from millions of Party members in our province. I will earnestly fulfill my duties and keep the Party's original aspiration and mission firmly in mind. When I return from Beijing, I will study, spread and carry out the work of the congress at grassroots levels," Gao added.