Alonso Miguel announces public tender for purchase of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles for Azores Civil Protection and Fire Brigade - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, accompanied by the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), Rui Andrade, attended the celebrations of the 113th anniversary of the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters on May 16. The ceremony was a meaningful event that highlighted the commitment, dedication and spirit of the mission of Faial firefighters.

During the ceremony, Alonso Miguel announced that, on the same day, a public tender was launched for the acquisition of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles, launched by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through SRPCBA, representing an investment of more than 800 thousand Euros.

"The vehicles to be purchased will be distributed among the 17 fire services in the Azores, with two vehicles allocated to SRPCBA, ensuring standardised command resources throughout the archipelago," stated the Regional Secretary.

According to the government official, acquiring this new fleet "represents a significant step forward in terms of quality and quantity when it comes to commanding rescue operations in the Region, with improved equipment and conditions for the command and control procedure in any rescue operation."

Alonso Miguel explained that "the new vehicles will be equipped with specific material to install an initial command post, facilitating the coordination and management of rescue operations on the ground, with increased efficiency and speed."

The head of Civil Protection emphasised that this investment "also represents another step to ensure the protection and well-being of the Azorean population."

The Regional Secretary also highlighted the "recent investment in renewing and modernising the fleets of fire brigade vehicles," adding that, "in this regard, about 4.3 million Euros have already been awarded for the purchase of nine heavy fire vehicles and nine emergency ambulances. Additionally, personal protective equipment has already been purchased for the fire brigades, amounting to more than half a million Euros." 

Alonso Miguel concluded by assuring that "the Regional Government will remain committed to building the capacity of the Azores Regional Civil Protection System and recognising the role of firefighters." He recalled some of the main achievements of the last year, such as ‘the creation of the Financing Model for Humanitarian Associations, the approval of the new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters and the salary increase for firefighters, achieved through the Working Conditions Ordinance. The latter resulted in a raise exceeding 100 Euros a month at the bottom of the career ladder."