04.02.2026 15:31
Firefighter Mehmet Demir, who was on duty at the 112 Emergency Call Center during the earthquakes on February 6, did not leave his post despite learning that his son and nephew were trapped under the rubble. He coordinated approximately 1,050 reports, contributing to the rescue of many people; however, his son and nephew lost their lives in the earthquake.
Firefighter Mehmet Demir, who works under the Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, was caught in the 112 Emergency Call Command Center during the earthquakes on February 6. Despite being the only staff member on duty at the center during the earthquake, Demir did not leave his post despite the massive destruction that occurred.
HIS SON AND NEPHEW WERE UNDER THE RUBBLE, BUT...
About half an hour after the earthquake, Demir learned that the dormitory Quran course where his son Muhammet Nejat and his nephew Tayfur Kayra were staying had collapsed. Nevertheless, he continued his duty by receiving incoming reports and directing the teams. During the crisis, Demir continued to receive calls through the analog system, coordinated the teams coming from surrounding provinces, and organized gathering areas and preliminary intervention plans.
MORE THAN A THOUSAND REPORTS COORDINATED
Firefighter Mehmet Demir contributed to the rescue of many injured and disaster victims by evaluating approximately 1,050 reports during his duty. After completing his duty, when he went to the Quran course in his own vehicle, he saw that the building had completely collapsed. As a result of the efforts, it was determined that his son and nephew had lost their lives.
"WE BURIED A TREASURE IN THE GROUND"
Sharing his experiences, Mehmet Demir stated that not leaving his post was the hardest decision of his life, expressing that every life saved alleviated his pain a little. Demir expressed his feelings with the words, "Both of them became martyrs in the way of Allah. We hope that we buried a treasure in the ground."