BEIJING, Nov. 5 -- Role models in the field of emergency management and loyal guards in the firefighting sector received rewards at a national commendation conference in Beijing Thursday.

Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and premier of the State Council, met with and congratulated the representatives.

Zhang Guoqing, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, attended the conference and delivered a speech.

In his address, Zhang called on the national emergency management system to uphold the principle of putting people and their lives first, and better safeguard people's lives and property, as well as overall social stability.

He stressed the need to improve risk and hazard identification and mitigation, and strengthen emergency response and rescue capabilities.

He also called for strengthening the CPC's overall leadership over emergency management personnel and staying committed to strengthening full and rigorous Party self-governance.

Eight first-class hero models and 19 second-class hero models, 99 advanced units and 197 advanced individuals, as well as 20 loyal guards in firefighting, were commended at the conference. Separately, 118 advanced units and 157 advanced individuals were recognized under a national firefighting award.