José Manuel Bolieiro makes investment to modernise fire brigade fleet - 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, chaired today the delivery ceremony of a new heavy-duty emergency vehicle to the Praia da Vitória Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters.

The delivery of this equipment represents an investment of 340 thousand Euros, which will reinforce the fire brigade's capacity to respond to emergencies. It falls within a wider plan to modernise the regional fire brigade fleet, with an estimated budget of more than six million Euros.

"This investment is necessary. It is fair and is made with responsibility," José Manuel Bolieiro stressed, acknowledging the essential role that volunteer firefighters play in the rescue and safety of the population.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised the effort made over the last four years to reverse a scenario of stagnation. New fire vehicles have not been purchased in the Azores since 2010. The Azorean Government has already awarded nine vehicles, launched a tender for 19 fire command vehicles and is about to launch a new procedure for another five vehicles.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, this path cannot depend solely on one-off funding moments.

"We need a long-term vision as well as a stable and realistic programme. As with the Armed Forces, Civil Protection also deserves its programming law," he defended.

In addition to vehicles, the Regional Government has also invested in personal protective equipment, such as suits, helmets and boots, and has already delivered equipment worth more than 600 thousand Euros to fire brigades throughout the Region.

He also recalled that in 2020 he found a sector with serious shortcomings, obsolete equipment, financial instability in the associations and undervalued professionals.

Since then, several measures have been implemented, including a transparent funding model, salary raises exceeding 100 euros per month and the revision of the Social Status for Firefighters, with exclusive benefits in the Azores.

Pre-hospital medical emergencies, which account for about 90% of the Azorean fire brigade's operational activity, have also been stepped up. In 2025, the planned investment in this area is set at 7.9 million Euros, an increase of 61% compared to 2020.

"We are valuing our firefighters with tangible actions. This is a mission that demands lasting respect and commitment," emphasised José Manuel Bolieiro.

During the ceremony, the merit of the Praia da Vitória Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters was also recognised, not only for its community outreach work but also for its national and international performance.

In November 2024, this fire corporation hosted the World Trauma and Extrication Championship, an initiative that "honoured the Azores and Portugal," recalled the President of the Government. 

This year, the association will once again take part in the National Trauma Championship, now with two teams in competition: one in trauma and the other in extrication.

The President of the Government praised the leadership of the Praia da Vitória Humanitarian Association of Firefighters, acknowledging the work carried out by Luís Vasco Cunha and Alexandre Cunha, the President of the Administration Board and the Fire Commander, respectively.

"Your commitment and responsibility have been decisive," he said, addressing them both.

In the coming days, the Praia da Vitória fire brigade will also receive a new emergency ambulance, amounting to 100,000 Euros, as part of a nine-vehicle package for the Region.

Also present at the ceremony were the Mayor of Praia da Vitória, Vânia Ferreira, the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade, the President of the Praia da Vitória Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, Luís Vasco Cunha, and the Commander of the Praia da Vitória Fire Brigade, Alexandre Cunha.