A family member of deceased fireman Ho Wai-ho accepts, on his behalf, a posthumous title conferment certificate from Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung (right) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Photo: HKSAR government's website.

The Fire Services Department (FSD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) posthumously conferred the honorary title of Senior Fireman on Thursday on the late Ho Wai-ho, in recognition of his exemplary service and selfless dedication to duty, according to an official announcement. 

At the ceremony, held at Sha Tin Fire Station, members of Ho's family accepted, on his behalf, a posthumous title conferment certificate and an embroidery of the Senior Fireman's rank badge from Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung, the HKSAR government said in the announcement. 

Born in 1987, Ho joined the FSD as a fireman in 2016. He served at the Sha Tin Fire Station and demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication during his nine-year service, the HKSAR government said. 

While executing a firefighting and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po on November 26 this year, Ho sustained serious injuries and lost his life in the line of duty. Multiple departments of the HKSAR government expressed profound sorrow over his death. On social media, many internet users posted tributes, writing messages such as "We will never forget you."

Local media reports said Ho had been in a relationship with his girlfriend since 2016, nearly 10 years, and the couple had planned to get married in December.

On social media, many netizens expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ho posting messages such as, "Firefighters really have it so hard" and "Farewell, hero who went against the flames."

The department will hold a funeral with full honor for Ho at the Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom, Kowloon on December 19. He will be laid to rest at the Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek afterwards, according to the HKSAR government. 

The death toll from the deadly blaze at the Wang Fuk Court fire had risen to 160 as of Tuesday, according to the police. Six people are still missing.