José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “enhanced civil protection” with new vehicle for Faial Fire Brigade - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today, on the island of Faial, the delivery ceremony of a new Tactical Rescue and Assistance Vehicle to the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, an event marked by recognition of the work carried out by the “soldiers of peace” at the service of the Azorean population.  

Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, the head of the Azorean Government expressed “pride and emotion” at the operational capacity of that organisation, highlighting the role of firefighters in ensuring the safety, peace and well-being of communities.

José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, an institution that recently celebrated its 114th anniversary, describing it as “a symbol of dedication, resilience and commitment to protecting the population.”

The President of the Regional Government also praised the work carried out by the association’s board, chaired by Braia Ferreira. In this regard, he highlighted examples of the institution’s “dynamics,” such as the construction of the new fire station, financial consolidation, the strengthening of the firefighting workforce and the revitalisation of the junior and cadet school, also recalling the distinction recently awarded by the Portuguese Firefighters’ League to the Faial-born leader, acknowledged as a leading figure in Portuguese society.

From an operational standpoint, it was noted that the Faial fire brigade accounts for around 5.5% of the Autonomous Region of the Azores’ operational revenue, having responded to 1,871 emergency calls in 2025 alone, with 87% of these relating to pre-hospital medical emergencies.

José Manuel Bolieiro also recalled the difficulties faced by the fire service sector in 2020, at a time when many associations were grappling with financial instability,  shortage of equipment and vehicles reaching the end of their service life, as well as demands regarding the advancement of firefighters' careers.

According to him, the current Regional Government has since been engaged in “structural work and ongoing dialogue” with stakeholders in the sector, resulting in an investment of about €60 million in the Regional Civil Protection System.

Among the measures implemented, the President of the Government highlighted the creation of a new funding model for humanitarian associations, amounting to €750,000, based on criteria of fairness, equality and transparency, as well as the revision of the Firefighters’ Social Status and the adjustment of pay scales.

Regarding the reinforcement of resources, the President of the Government stated that more than fifty vehicles have been acquired for regional fire brigades over the last four years, representing a total investment of €8 million.

In the case of Faial, he mentioned the delivery of an ambulance in 2025, and a Tactical Self-Command and a refurbished medium-sized ambulance in 2026. The new vehicle now delivered represents an investment of about half a million Euros.

The Tactical Rescue and Assistance Vehicle is equipped for rescue and extrication operations and can be deployed in road accidents, collapsed structures, incidents involving hazardous substances, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods or landslides. The equipment will also enable a response to complex incidents involving multiple casualties, including air crashes, with specialised technical equipment for rescue, stabilisation, lighting and respiratory protection.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, this delivery represents “much more than a fleet renewal,” reflecting “a technological leap forward and a new vision for the operational capabilities of Azorean firefighters.”

The government official also highlighted the vehicle’s versatility, noting that it will also be able to support other fire brigades across the Triangle Islands (Faial, Pico and São Jorge) whenever necessary.

During the session, attention was also drawn to the strengthening of the pre-hospital emergency medical response through the launch of a 24-hour Immediate Life Support Service (SIV) on the island of Faial, effective from September 2025, representing an annual investment of about €130,000.

The President of the Azorean Government also sent a message of reassurance to the Region’s humanitarian fire brigades, assuring them that the Azorean Government would monitor the impact of rising fuel prices on the brigades’ operational activities.

In this regard, he announced that the Azorean Government will proceed with an additional review of the fuel subsidy caps, allowing for increases of up to 25% of the currently allocated amount, should the defined amounts prove insufficient to ensure the associations’ relief and emergency response operations.

Also present at the ceremony were the Mayor of Horta, Carlos Ferreira, the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade, the President of the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, José Braia Ferreira, and the Commander of the Faial Fire Brigade, Marco Azevedo.