Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

On Monday, the Regional Government increased protection and rescue resources in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and on the island of Terceira, with the delivery of a new fire truck tanker to the Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, representing an investment of about €350,000. 

The ceremony was part of the celebrations for the Patron Saint's Day of this institution. It also marked the 103rd anniversary of this association, which has been serving the Angra community for over a century.

On this occasion, Alonso Miguel recalled that the Angra do Heroísmo corporation had already received, at the end of June, an emergency ambulance amounting to €90,000, emphasising that the delivery of the fire truck tanker is a continuation of the Government's efforts to renew and enhance resources throughout the Region.

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who oversees Civil Protection, stated that this new vehicle represented "a qualitative leap in water transport capacity, self-sufficiency and durability in firefighting scenarios, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of the fire brigade."

The government official also highlighted the high volume of activity recorded by the corporation, which recorded more than 8,600 incidents between January 1, 2024, and this Sunday. According to him, it reflects "the strength of the operational product, but also the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of this institution."

In the context of the 103rd anniversary celebrations, Alonso Miguel highlighted the "long history and vitality" of the association, built "by generations of dedicated, courageous men and women with a deep sense of public service." He emphasised that the journey of these firefighters represents "a legacy of service honouring the association and the Azores, and continues to be an example of resilience and spirit of mission." 

During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to modernising and enhancing the firefighting sector. He highlighted measures already implemented, such as career promotion and pay rises for firefighters, the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, the upgrading of the pre-hospital emergency medical service, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment and the updating of social benefits granted to firefighters. 

In this context, the Regional Secretary emphasised that "the Government will continue to implement a wide range of structural investments, namely with the delivery of two new fire engines to the Associations of Vila Franca do Campo and São Roque do Pico, the provision of 17  tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade in the Region, the delivery of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances, the distribution of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) purchased at a cost of over €300,000, and the continuation of work on the SRPCBA Training Centre, including the construction of a new high-rise training tower."

For 2026, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the 50% increase in funds allocated to the financing model of the Firefighters' Associations, from €500,000 to €750,000, and the planned delivery of 12 new emergency ambulances, including one for the Angra do Heroísmo fire brigade. 

Alonso Miguel concluded his speech by emphasising that "the truth has no answer" and that "the recognition of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, it is a tangible and visible reality." He reiterated that "the Government will continue to strengthen resources, value careers and work side by side with associations and municipalities to ensure predictability, stability and sustainability in the firefighting sector."