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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government launches “PC+65” Project to promote prevention among senior population
Regional Government launches “PC+65” Project to promote prevention among senior population
April 27, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
March 13, 2026
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
March 12, 2026
Regional Government launches “PC+65” Project to promote prevention among senior population
News
Nota de Imprensa
April 27, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
Last Saturday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired the opening session of the 4th Regional Meeting of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores, organised by the Azores Fire Federation, which took place in Vila do Porto. He was accompanied by the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade. On the occasion, Alonso Miguel congratulated the Azores Fire Federation on organising the fourth edition of the Regional Meeting. He considered it a “a moment of particular importance for the regional fire service sector and a unique opportunity for reflection, responsible debate and the development of solutions for building the future.” The Regional Secretary highlighted the progress towards strengthening and enhancing the fire service sector in the Azores, emphasising “the significant investment in recent years and the ongoing commitment to improving safety and rescue conditions for the population.” The Regional Secretary stressed that “this regional meeting also provides an opportunity to assess the path we have been following.” He described it as “a demanding but sustained journey, based on clear choices, political courage and, above all, ongoing and close dialogue with the associations and their Federation.” Alonso Miguel pointed out that “the Regional Government has invested over €60 million in the Regional Civil Protection System in the last five years.” This investment has led to a significant expansion in pre-hospital emergency medical care, with spending increasing by about 70% since 2020, from €4.9 million to €8.3 million annually. “This substantial growth has increased the number of pre-hospital emergency medical crews and significantly raised the amounts paid to associations providing this service, which is of utmost importance for the Azorean population,” he emphasised. The government official also highlighted the fulfilment of a long-standing demand from the sector, through the implementation of a regular funding model for Firefighters’ Associations. This represents an annual investment of about €750,000, bringing greater financial stability and predictability to the institutions. “As a result of these measures, we have managed to secure, in conjunction with the Associations as employers, a significant pay rise for firefighters, reflected in an increase of around 40% in the base salary. We have also increased investment in the training, qualification and specialisation of operational staff, contributing to the professional dignity and recognition of the merit of those serving,” he stated. Regarding operational resources, Alonso Miguel noted that this financial investment led to a structured plan to renew the fire service fleets, representing a global investment of about €8 million, which has already resulted in the purchase of more than fifty rescue and emergency vehicles. The Regional Secretary also highlighted the creation of the new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters. It introduced numerous social benefits, including financial support for after-school activities for the children of Azorean firefighters, as well as new incentives for volunteering. Viewing these measures as part of a broader process of transforming the sector, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “today the Azores have a regional civil protection system that is more resilient, more stable and better prepared to respond effectively to challenges than the one that existed five years ago.” It is the result of an “ongoing, close and constructive dialogue with the associations and the Fire Federation.” The government official also highlighted the role of the sector’s leaders. In this regard, he emphasised “the importance of institutional collaboration and the contribution of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters in developing balanced solutions tailored to the regional reality, with a view to strengthening the sector and improving safety conditions, promptness and the protection of the population.” As for future goals, Alonso Miguel announced plans to transform the current Training Centre of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service into an Academy, involving the refurbishment of facilities and the centralisation of recruits, thereby ensuring more rigorous, specialised and standardised training, He also reiterated the Regional Government’s commitment to continuing investing in the renewal of the red and yellow fleets, ensuring modern, appropriate and effective resources capable of meeting growing operational demands. The Regional Secretary also mentioned the need to closely monitor the process of reforming firefighters' employment regulations, which is currently being prepared at a national level. He emphasised that any changes must be properly adapted to the specific circumstances of the Azores, “with a critical eye, a sense of responsibility and respect for the principles of proportionality, fairness and financial sustainability.” “We know what we want, where we stand and where we intend to go. Therefore, it is essential to find our own solutions, tailored to the regional reality and financially sustainable,” he stated. Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterating the importance of the Meeting of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores. He noted that “such occasions are essential for aligning strategies, building consensus and uniting efforts towards a common goal: bolstering the fire service and improving the protection of the Azorean population.”
April 27, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
Last Saturday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired the opening session of the 4th Regional Meeting of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores, organised by the Azores Fire Federation, which took place in Vila do Porto. He was accompanied by the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade. On the occasion, Alonso Miguel congratulated the Azores Fire Federation on organising the fourth edition of the Regional Meeting. He considered it a “a moment of particular importance for the regional fire service sector and a unique opportunity for reflection, responsible debate and the development of solutions for building the future.” The Regional Secretary highlighted the progress towards strengthening and enhancing the fire service sector in the Azores, emphasising “the significant investment in recent years and the ongoing commitment to improving safety and rescue conditions for the population.” The Regional Secretary stressed that “this regional meeting also provides an opportunity to assess the path we have been following.” He described it as “a demanding but sustained journey, based on clear choices, political courage and, above all, ongoing and close dialogue with the associations and their Federation.” Alonso Miguel pointed out that “the Regional Government has invested over €60 million in the Regional Civil Protection System in the last five years.” This investment has led to a significant expansion in pre-hospital emergency medical care, with spending increasing by about 70% since 2020, from €4.9 million to €8.3 million annually. “This substantial growth has increased the number of pre-hospital emergency medical crews and significantly raised the amounts paid to associations providing this service, which is of utmost importance for the Azorean population,” he emphasised. The government official also highlighted the fulfilment of a long-standing demand from the sector, through the implementation of a regular funding model for Firefighters’ Associations. This represents an annual investment of about €750,000, bringing greater financial stability and predictability to the institutions. “As a result of these measures, we have managed to secure, in conjunction with the Associations as employers, a significant pay rise for firefighters, reflected in an increase of around 40% in the base salary. We have also increased investment in the training, qualification and specialisation of operational staff, contributing to the professional dignity and recognition of the merit of those serving,” he stated. Regarding operational resources, Alonso Miguel noted that this financial investment led to a structured plan to renew the fire service fleets, representing a global investment of about €8 million, which has already resulted in the purchase of more than fifty rescue and emergency vehicles. The Regional Secretary also highlighted the creation of the new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters. It introduced numerous social benefits, including financial support for after-school activities for the children of Azorean firefighters, as well as new incentives for volunteering. Viewing these measures as part of a broader process of transforming the sector, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “today the Azores have a regional civil protection system that is more resilient, more stable and better prepared to respond effectively to challenges than the one that existed five years ago.” It is the result of an “ongoing, close and constructive dialogue with the associations and the Fire Federation.” The government official also highlighted the role of the sector’s leaders. In this regard, he emphasised “the importance of institutional collaboration and the contribution of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters in developing balanced solutions tailored to the regional reality, with a view to strengthening the sector and improving safety conditions, promptness and the protection of the population.” As for future goals, Alonso Miguel announced plans to transform the current Training Centre of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service into an Academy, involving the refurbishment of facilities and the centralisation of recruits, thereby ensuring more rigorous, specialised and standardised training, He also reiterated the Regional Government’s commitment to continuing investing in the renewal of the red and yellow fleets, ensuring modern, appropriate and effective resources capable of meeting growing operational demands. The Regional Secretary also mentioned the need to closely monitor the process of reforming firefighters' employment regulations, which is currently being prepared at a national level. He emphasised that any changes must be properly adapted to the specific circumstances of the Azores, “with a critical eye, a sense of responsibility and respect for the principles of proportionality, fairness and financial sustainability.” “We know what we want, where we stand and where we intend to go. Therefore, it is essential to find our own solutions, tailored to the regional reality and financially sustainable,” he stated. Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterating the importance of the Meeting of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores. He noted that “such occasions are essential for aligning strategies, building consensus and uniting efforts towards a common goal: bolstering the fire service and improving the protection of the Azorean population.”
Nota de Imprensa
March 13, 2026
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), has launched a new public tender, amounting to €2 million, for the purchase of another five emergency and assistance vehicles, intended to strengthen the operational capacity of regional fire brigades. The tender provides for the acquisition of three medium-sized emergency vehicles, to be allocated to the Fire Services of Ponta Delgada, Nordeste and Velas, and two heavy fire truck tankers to be used by the Fire Services of Flores and Madalena. This measure is part of the Regional Government’s strategy to strengthen and modernise the operational resources dedicated to protection and rescue in the Azores. As the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, emphasised, “the launch of this tender represents another step towards improving the resources available to Fire Services in the Azores.” According to the government official, this investment will “improve operational capacity, ensure a better response capability and enhance the effectiveness of rescue operations, whilst addressing the need to renew the vehicle fleet and meeting the Region’s operational requirements.” Alonso Miguel also pointed out that this initiative “is part of an ongoing effort to modernise equipment and vehicles, ensuring that resources are increasingly suited to the Region’s operational requirements.” “The Government of the Azores has been carrying out the renewal of the regional red and yellow fleet, an investment that now stands at €8 million in just four years, alongside the improvement of the pre-hospital emergency medical service.” He pointed out that this represents “an ongoing and structural investment in the operational capacity of regional fire services.” Regarding the safety and protection of frontline staff, the government official also highlighted the investment in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with €300,000 allocated to Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) at the end of last year. For Alonso Miguel, “the protection of firefighters and the creation of better conditions for them to carry out their duties are also priorities for the Government of the Azores.” The Regional Secretary stated that “a series of structural investments will be implemented as early as the first half of this year to strengthen the operational capacity of Fire Services in the Azores.” Among these measures, Alonso Miguel highlighted that 17 tactical self-command vehicles will be delivered this March – one for each Fire Service in the Region – thereby strengthening the capacity for command and coordination of operations on the ground. “This is a very significant boost to operational command capacity, with a direct impact on the effectiveness of responses on the ground,” he said. Also planned for the first half of the year are the delivery of two new fire engines, 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances throughout the Region, and another 12 emergency ambulances, representing a significant boost to the regional pre-hospital emergency medical service. According to the government official, “these investments reflect a clear commitment to bolstering resources and improving the response provided to the population.” Meanwhile, construction is currently underway at the SRPCBA Training Centre on a high-rise training tower, designed to enhance the skills and operational readiness of Azorean firefighters. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the training and development of operational staff are essential elements of a better-prepared and more effective civil protection service.” The Regional Secretary reiterated the Regional Government’s determination to continue investing in this area, noting that “about €60 million has been invested in the Regional Civil Protection System over the last five years." For Alonso Miguel, this is a path worth pursuing, as “it strengthens our response capacity, the effectiveness of our emergency services and the support provided to the Azorean population."
March 13, 2026
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), has launched a new public tender, amounting to €2 million, for the purchase of another five emergency and assistance vehicles, intended to strengthen the operational capacity of regional fire brigades. The tender provides for the acquisition of three medium-sized emergency vehicles, to be allocated to the Fire Services of Ponta Delgada, Nordeste and Velas, and two heavy fire truck tankers to be used by the Fire Services of Flores and Madalena. This measure is part of the Regional Government’s strategy to strengthen and modernise the operational resources dedicated to protection and rescue in the Azores. As the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, emphasised, “the launch of this tender represents another step towards improving the resources available to Fire Services in the Azores.” According to the government official, this investment will “improve operational capacity, ensure a better response capability and enhance the effectiveness of rescue operations, whilst addressing the need to renew the vehicle fleet and meeting the Region’s operational requirements.” Alonso Miguel also pointed out that this initiative “is part of an ongoing effort to modernise equipment and vehicles, ensuring that resources are increasingly suited to the Region’s operational requirements.” “The Government of the Azores has been carrying out the renewal of the regional red and yellow fleet, an investment that now stands at €8 million in just four years, alongside the improvement of the pre-hospital emergency medical service.” He pointed out that this represents “an ongoing and structural investment in the operational capacity of regional fire services.” Regarding the safety and protection of frontline staff, the government official also highlighted the investment in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with €300,000 allocated to Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) at the end of last year. For Alonso Miguel, “the protection of firefighters and the creation of better conditions for them to carry out their duties are also priorities for the Government of the Azores.” The Regional Secretary stated that “a series of structural investments will be implemented as early as the first half of this year to strengthen the operational capacity of Fire Services in the Azores.” Among these measures, Alonso Miguel highlighted that 17 tactical self-command vehicles will be delivered this March – one for each Fire Service in the Region – thereby strengthening the capacity for command and coordination of operations on the ground. “This is a very significant boost to operational command capacity, with a direct impact on the effectiveness of responses on the ground,” he said. Also planned for the first half of the year are the delivery of two new fire engines, 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances throughout the Region, and another 12 emergency ambulances, representing a significant boost to the regional pre-hospital emergency medical service. According to the government official, “these investments reflect a clear commitment to bolstering resources and improving the response provided to the population.” Meanwhile, construction is currently underway at the SRPCBA Training Centre on a high-rise training tower, designed to enhance the skills and operational readiness of Azorean firefighters. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the training and development of operational staff are essential elements of a better-prepared and more effective civil protection service.” The Regional Secretary reiterated the Regional Government’s determination to continue investing in this area, noting that “about €60 million has been invested in the Regional Civil Protection System over the last five years." For Alonso Miguel, this is a path worth pursuing, as “it strengthens our response capacity, the effectiveness of our emergency services and the support provided to the Azorean population."