Regional Government ready to find solutions to ensure firefighters and their associations are recognised and valued - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, received the President of the National Association of Professional Firefighters (ANBP), Fernando Curto, in Angra do Heroísmo today.

José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated the Regional Government's commitment to strengthening cooperation with ANBP. This social and professional association covers Mainland Portugal and the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira.

"The availability and the need for sustainable dialogue between the Regional Government of the Azores and the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters, as employers, was confirmed. Together, we can build a path towards recognising their value, ensuring the conditions for associations to prosper financially and income-wise," he stressed on the occasion.

The President of the Government also recalled that the current Government has been "concerned with and recognised" the "essential role of firefighters in the Azores Civil Protection."

In 2023, a boost was made to the pre-hospital medical emergency system, with an annual investment of 1.7 million Euros.

For 2024, the amount allocated to this area will rise to 6.6 million Euros. This investment has increased the number of emergency ambulance crew members from 220 to 248, while also updating the hourly rate fees for nurses and emergency ambulance crew members.

The allocation of resources also includes the payment of TAS, Regulatory Doctors, maintenance of SIV vehicles, insurance, the SIV AMB VPV pilot project, and the training of SIV Nurses, with a system that integrates five SIV vehicles and one SIV ambulance.

The renewal of the fire brigades' vehicle fleet is another highlight for the Regional Government. The acquisition of nine vehicles and a multi-victim transport vehicle was awarded, representing an overall investment of 3.4 million Euros.

Later this year, a tender will be launched for the acquisition of another five red vehicles, resulting in the allocation of 14 red vehicles to fire brigades in just three years.

The President of the Government also pointed out that "solutions can be found with the National Government to guarantee a career that acknowledges the value of professional firefighters."

He continued: "Furthermore, it is also crucial to secure funding possibilities for associations through transfers from the State Budget."

José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised the recognition of firefighters through the creation of the Social Statute for Firefighters. Within the powers of the Azorean Government, this has increased the remuneration conditions for all firefighters who carry out operational work voluntarily.