José Manuel Bolieiro boosts investment in Povoação fire brigade and announces new emergency resources - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the handover ceremony of a medium-sized emergency response vehicle to the Povoação Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, an investment of around €386,900.00 that will boost the operational capacity of that organisation and enhance public safety.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a plaque on the monument honouring all firefighters and leaders, a symbol of gratitude and recognition for the service rendered to the population over the years and for their contribution to protecting people and property in the municipality of Povoação.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service towards the modernisation of available resources and strengthening response capacity across all the islands. This is being achieved through a strategy developed in “ongoing dialogue” with humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters and municipal civil protection services.

“We have sought to make the most of every opportunity to strengthen the Civil Protection’s response capacity, ensuring the effective use of available EU funds and working in close coordination with all partners within the system,” he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Povoação Volunteer Fire Brigade, noting that the brigade responded to 978 emergency calls in 2025, mostly regarding pre-hospital medical emergencies, as well as accidents, fires and other emergencies. 

“These figures clearly demonstrate the operational importance of this organisation and fully justify the investment we have been making to provide it with the best resources to serve the population,” he emphasised.

The new vehicle is equipped with advanced technology. It is ready to respond to a wide range of incidents, from urban and rural fires to road accidents and more complex rescue operations.

The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the symbolic significance of this event, as it marks the end of an unprecedented cycle of renewal of the Azorean fire service’s operational fleet.

“This is the last of a total of 28 fire engines acquired by the Regional Government, as part of the largest renewal programme for operational resources ever undertaken by the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service,” he stressed.

José Manuel Bolieiro also announced that this effort will continue, with another five fire engines already awarded under contract, representing an investment of nearly €2 million, and due for handover in 2027.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this investment falls within a “structured” and long-term policy for the sector, recognising the importance of firefighters, ensuring the financial stability of associations, and renewing equipment and vehicles.

“When we took office, we found associations facing financial difficulties, ageing vehicles and legitimate demands from firefighters. Since then, we have been developing a policy based on recognising the importance of firefighters, ensuring the financial stability and predictability of associations, and modernising operational resources,” he said.

In this context, he highlighted the creation of the current funding model for voluntary fire brigades, which provides annual support of around €750,000, as well as the investment of over €8 million in the renewal of equipment and vehicles.

As for the municipality of Povoação, José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that the Regional Government’s investment in civil protection has been consistent and comprehensive.

“The new fire station in Povoação, although previously launched, was fully implemented and completed by the current Government, providing better working conditions for firefighters and enhancing public safety,” he recalled.

The President of the Government also highlighted the handover of a Tactical Self-command Vehicle, estimated to cost around €46,000, and announced that a new emergency ambulance, already awarded under a contract estimated at around €78,000, is due to be handed over by August this year.

With the vehicle handed over today, the Regional Government’s recent investment in the Povoação Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters far exceeds half a million euros in operational equipment alone.

José Manuel Bolieiro also positioned this effort as part of the challenges currently facing Europe, defending that economic competitiveness must go hand in hand with territorial and social cohesion.

“There can be no development without a commitment to territorial and social cohesion that fosters solidarity between those who have more and those who have less. For this reason, the Regional Government has sought to support the most remote regions and promote smaller communities and economies,” he stated.

The President of the Regional Government also noted that new international challenges require increased investment in security and defence, noting that Civil Protection must be an essential part of this strategic European priority.

“When we talk about investment in security and defence, Civil Protection must also be included in this effort, as it represents a direct response to the protection of people, communities and territories,” he concluded.

Also present at the ceremony were the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, the Mayor of Povoação, Pedro Melo, the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade, the President of the Povoação Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, Aurélio Bento, and the Commander of the Povoação Fire Brigade, Rúben Franco.