José Manuel Bolieiro delivers ambulances to Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória fire brigades - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the delivery ceremony of two emergency ambulances to the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória.

The event, which took place at the premises of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) on Terceira Island, represents an investment of 200 thousand Euros.

At the ceremony, with the Bishop of Angra, Armando Esteves Domingues, in attendance to bless the equipment, the head of the Azorean Government highlighted the symbolic importance of the moment.

“Today is a day of gratitude and justice. These women and men give of themselves without thinking about themselves,” he said, praising the public mission of fire brigades.

The two associations together account for about 25% of the operational activity of the entire archipelago, responding to more than 8,500 incidents per year. For the President of the Government, this is "a level of operational capacity that demands respect, recognition and investment."

Since 2020, the Regional Government has been implementing a series of structural reforms in the sector, notably the creation of a new financing model for associations, which, according to José Manuel Bolieiro, "ensures fairness, equity and transparency," with the first half of this year's payments already made.

Improving conditions for professionals has been another priority. The Regional Government has carried out a major revision to the status of firefighters, including salary increases of over 100 Euros per month, contributions towards family expenses, support for volunteer pay and bonuses for length of service towards retirement.

Investment in equipment has also been solid. Over the last four years, personal protective equipment valued at over 600 thousand Euros has been delivered to regional associations. As part of the firefighting fleet renewal plan, the first since 2010, nine vehicles priced at 3.3 million Euros have already been awarded, with new tenders under preparation.

In the specific case of Praia da Vitória and Angra do Heroísmo, apart from the ambulances delivered on Monday, a fire truck tanker valued at 340 thousand Euros and another valued at 350 thousand Euros were also allocated.

In the area of pre-hospital emergency medical care, which accounts for 90% of the fire brigades' activity, the Regional Government's investment increased by 61% compared to 2020, totalling 7.9 million Euros planned for 2025. Since May, both ambulance crews on Terceira Island have had an additional member, representing an annual cost of 46 thousand Euros.

"We know that resources are always scarce, but the desire to serve is unwavering," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, pointing out that "Civil Protection deserves more, and the safety of the population even more so."

Also present at the ceremony were the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, and the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade.