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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Governo dos Açores lança concurso para aquisição de equipamentos de proteção individual para bombeiros no valor de meio milhão de euros
Governo dos Açores lança concurso para aquisição de equipamentos de proteção individual para bombeiros no valor de meio milhão de euros
August 7, 2025
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
June 23, 2025
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
December 12, 2024
Governo dos Açores lança concurso para aquisição de equipamentos de proteção individual para bombeiros no valor de meio milhão de euros
News
Nota de Imprensa
August 7, 2025
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
On Wednesday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, delivered two new emergency ambulances to the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of São Roque do Pico and Calheta, reinforcing pre-hospital emergency medical services in these two municipalities. Alonso Miguel emphasised that this action "symbolises not only the strengthening of operational resources but also the public recognition of the tireless and commendable work that these fire brigades carry out daily for the benefit of their community." According to the government official, "pre-hospital medical emergencies, as a fundamental pillar of Civil Protection, face new and complex challenges today." For this reason, it is essential to "continue to invest strategically, ensuring that our firefighters have the knowledge, resources and conditions to deliver excellent service to those who need it most." "The ambulances delivered today in São Roque do Pico and Calheta, São Jorge Island, are part of a series of nine vehicles acquired by the Regional Government, an overall investment of around 1 million Euros. Now, the only remaining delivery is the last ambulance in this batch, specifically to the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters," he said. The Regional Secretary responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores revealed that "pre-hospital medical emergencies account for around 80% of the operational activity of the fire brigades in these two municipalities, and for this reason, these ambulances address a pressing need." “It is important to note that, between 2024 and 2025, the São Roque do Pico Fire Brigade responded to more than 650 calls for urgent medical assistance to its population, while in Calheta, during the same period, there were more than 400 requests of this kind,” he added. Alonso Miguel stated that this marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Fire Department's ability to respond to medical emergencies by upgrading the regional fleet of emergency ambulances. The Regional Secretary confirmed that "the Regional Government's investment in pre-hospital medical emergencies has been growing significantly," noting that "we have gone from 4.9 million Euros in 2020 to 7.9 million Euros in 2025." "This is a 61% increase in investment, which reflects the Regional Government's firm commitment and clear focus on responding immediately to emergencies and supporting the professionals working in this area. This is reflected not only in the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet but also in the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical crews," he said. Alonso Miguel acknowledged that ‘it is not enough to invest in equipment alone, as it is also necessary to invest in people, and this has been one of the Regional Government's top priorities.’ In this regard, he highlighted measures such as “the creation of the Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters, salary raises, acquisition of personal protective equipment and, above all, the increase in resources allocated to the training and qualification of professionals, whose investment grew from 194 thousand Euros in 2020 to 360 thousand Euros in 2025.” Alonso Miguel also recalled that "the Civil Protection and Firefighting Investment Plan for 2025 is the largest ever, amounting to about 14 million Euros, which represents an increase of 15% compared to 2024 or 64% compared to 2020." The government official concluded by reiterating the Regional Government's commitment to the Azorean firefighters and guaranteeing that it will continue to invest, support and endeavour "to safeguard the most precious asset: human life."
August 7, 2025
Regional Government reinforces emergency response with delivery of new ambulances to São Roque do Pico and Calheta Volunteer Fire Departments
On Wednesday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, delivered two new emergency ambulances to the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of São Roque do Pico and Calheta, reinforcing pre-hospital emergency medical services in these two municipalities. Alonso Miguel emphasised that this action "symbolises not only the strengthening of operational resources but also the public recognition of the tireless and commendable work that these fire brigades carry out daily for the benefit of their community." According to the government official, "pre-hospital medical emergencies, as a fundamental pillar of Civil Protection, face new and complex challenges today." For this reason, it is essential to "continue to invest strategically, ensuring that our firefighters have the knowledge, resources and conditions to deliver excellent service to those who need it most." "The ambulances delivered today in São Roque do Pico and Calheta, São Jorge Island, are part of a series of nine vehicles acquired by the Regional Government, an overall investment of around 1 million Euros. Now, the only remaining delivery is the last ambulance in this batch, specifically to the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters," he said. The Regional Secretary responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores revealed that "pre-hospital medical emergencies account for around 80% of the operational activity of the fire brigades in these two municipalities, and for this reason, these ambulances address a pressing need." “It is important to note that, between 2024 and 2025, the São Roque do Pico Fire Brigade responded to more than 650 calls for urgent medical assistance to its population, while in Calheta, during the same period, there were more than 400 requests of this kind,” he added. Alonso Miguel stated that this marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Fire Department's ability to respond to medical emergencies by upgrading the regional fleet of emergency ambulances. The Regional Secretary confirmed that "the Regional Government's investment in pre-hospital medical emergencies has been growing significantly," noting that "we have gone from 4.9 million Euros in 2020 to 7.9 million Euros in 2025." "This is a 61% increase in investment, which reflects the Regional Government's firm commitment and clear focus on responding immediately to emergencies and supporting the professionals working in this area. This is reflected not only in the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet but also in the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical crews," he said. Alonso Miguel acknowledged that ‘it is not enough to invest in equipment alone, as it is also necessary to invest in people, and this has been one of the Regional Government's top priorities.’ In this regard, he highlighted measures such as “the creation of the Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters, salary raises, acquisition of personal protective equipment and, above all, the increase in resources allocated to the training and qualification of professionals, whose investment grew from 194 thousand Euros in 2020 to 360 thousand Euros in 2025.” Alonso Miguel also recalled that "the Civil Protection and Firefighting Investment Plan for 2025 is the largest ever, amounting to about 14 million Euros, which represents an increase of 15% compared to 2024 or 64% compared to 2020." The government official concluded by reiterating the Regional Government's commitment to the Azorean firefighters and guaranteeing that it will continue to invest, support and endeavour "to safeguard the most precious asset: human life."
Nota de Imprensa
June 23, 2025
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) celebrated its 45th anniversary at a ceremony held last Saturday at the Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo. It was chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, and attended by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who oversees Civil Protection in the Azores. During the ceremony, Alonso Miguel stated that "Civil Protection represents a pact between political power and society, between those who govern and those who protect, and between those who serve and those who trust." He added that "the Regional Civil Protection System must be a factor of social cohesion, playing a crucial role in the safety and well-being of the Azorean population." "In an island territory such as the Azores, marked by geographical dispersion and vulnerability to extreme natural phenomena, often aggravated by climate change, Civil Protection asserts itself as a relevant, differentiated and capable structure to act effectively and in an integrated manner in the face of the Region's unique demands," he said. The government official stated that “the Regional Government has taken a clear stance that protecting is governing. It has placed civil protection at the core of strategic decisions, promoting increased investment in infrastructures and equipment, valuing human resources, and creating legal and financial instruments to guarantee stability, predictability, and fairness in the sector.” “Over the last four years, more than 46 million Euros have been invested in civil protection and firefighting in the Azores. In 2025, we will have the largest investment plan ever, with a budget of around 14 million Euros,” he recalled. Alonso Miguel highlighted some of the main advances and achievements of recent years, such as "the creation of a new financing model for the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores in early 2025. It has rectified historical imbalances by providing half a million Euros annually to ensure financial stability and predictability for these institutions." The Regional Secretary also highlighted "the strong commitment to renewing and modernising the rescue fleet, something that had not happened since 2010. This has been achieved through the acquisition of nine heavy fire truck tankers and a multi-victim tow truck, with the launch of a tender for the purchase of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles and a new tender for the acquisition of another five specialised fire vehicles,” corresponding to an overall investment of more than 6.2 million Euros. The new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters was also highlighted, which "maintains the previously established benefits in the areas of education, health and housing support." It introduces relevant changes, "namely the support for length-of-service bonuses for retirement purposes to fully exempt firefighters from paying for this benefit," and volunteering incentives, "with the allocation of annual financial support to firefighters who carry out the operational work established on a voluntary basis." The government official also highlighted "the enormous effort, in conjunction with the Associations and the Azores Fire Federation, to dignify, protect and recognise the work of firefighters, starting with the updating of salary scales, as seen at the end of 2024. There were increases of more than 100 Euros per month at the bottom of the career ladder and 220 Euros at the top, but there was also a stronger focus on training and significant investment in personal protective equipment, which has exceeded 600 thousand Euros over the last four years." Alonso Miguel also pointed out the redefinition of the pre-hospital emergency medical policy, which is now "closer, stronger and more professional, with more equipment, more specialised training and more resources for transporting victims." He revealed that "the planned investment in this area for 2025 is set at 7.9 million Euros, corresponding to an increase of 61% compared to 2020." Among the main investments in pre-hospital emergency medical care, the government official highlighted "the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet, with the acquisition of another nine ambulances, an investment of about one million Euros; the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System, with the delivery of two new Immediate Life Support vehicles and three telemetry devices in October 2024, representing an investment of over 160 thousand Euros; and the reinforcement of Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency crews, with four additional crews since May 2025, corresponding to an additional investment of around 460 thousand Euros per year." According to Alonso Miguel, “these decisions, measures and investments are not improvised. They are the result of an integrated vision, where civil protection is not just a reaction but also planning, public policy and a statement of the Region's ability to take care of itself.” "Civil protection is not just an emergency response system. It contributes directly to the well-being and economic development of communities, promotes a sense of safety and fosters mutual trust between the population and the authorities," he stressed. The Regional Secretary stated that “in an archipelago where geography poses constant challenges, investing in civil protection is investing in regional sovereignty. It is about ensuring that, in the face of adversity, we have the means, skills and leadership. It is about asserting that autonomy is not measured solely in statutes but in the ability to protect every Azorean on every island and in all circumstances.” The government official concluded by stating that "the organisational model, the capacity for inter-institutional coordination, its integration into the territory and the level of technical training make the SRPCBA a national and international benchmark today." Alonso Miguel also acknowledged "the important role played by the former Presidents of the SRPCBA," who were honoured at the ceremony, "in building the Region's civil protection system." He also highlighted "the exemplary leadership of the current President, Major Rui Andrade, who has been instrumental in many of the achievements made in recent years." He also expressed his "appreciation and gratitude to the professionals at SRPCBA for their dedication and competence, as well as for the extraordinary work they do every day and the fundamental contribution they make to the recognised excellence of the Service, which is a source of pride for everyone."
June 23, 2025
Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service celebrates 45th anniversary
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) celebrated its 45th anniversary at a ceremony held last Saturday at the Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo. It was chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, and attended by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who oversees Civil Protection in the Azores. During the ceremony, Alonso Miguel stated that "Civil Protection represents a pact between political power and society, between those who govern and those who protect, and between those who serve and those who trust." He added that "the Regional Civil Protection System must be a factor of social cohesion, playing a crucial role in the safety and well-being of the Azorean population." "In an island territory such as the Azores, marked by geographical dispersion and vulnerability to extreme natural phenomena, often aggravated by climate change, Civil Protection asserts itself as a relevant, differentiated and capable structure to act effectively and in an integrated manner in the face of the Region's unique demands," he said. The government official stated that “the Regional Government has taken a clear stance that protecting is governing. It has placed civil protection at the core of strategic decisions, promoting increased investment in infrastructures and equipment, valuing human resources, and creating legal and financial instruments to guarantee stability, predictability, and fairness in the sector.” “Over the last four years, more than 46 million Euros have been invested in civil protection and firefighting in the Azores. In 2025, we will have the largest investment plan ever, with a budget of around 14 million Euros,” he recalled. Alonso Miguel highlighted some of the main advances and achievements of recent years, such as "the creation of a new financing model for the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores in early 2025. It has rectified historical imbalances by providing half a million Euros annually to ensure financial stability and predictability for these institutions." The Regional Secretary also highlighted "the strong commitment to renewing and modernising the rescue fleet, something that had not happened since 2010. This has been achieved through the acquisition of nine heavy fire truck tankers and a multi-victim tow truck, with the launch of a tender for the purchase of 19 Tactical Self-Command vehicles and a new tender for the acquisition of another five specialised fire vehicles,” corresponding to an overall investment of more than 6.2 million Euros. The new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters was also highlighted, which "maintains the previously established benefits in the areas of education, health and housing support." It introduces relevant changes, "namely the support for length-of-service bonuses for retirement purposes to fully exempt firefighters from paying for this benefit," and volunteering incentives, "with the allocation of annual financial support to firefighters who carry out the operational work established on a voluntary basis." The government official also highlighted "the enormous effort, in conjunction with the Associations and the Azores Fire Federation, to dignify, protect and recognise the work of firefighters, starting with the updating of salary scales, as seen at the end of 2024. There were increases of more than 100 Euros per month at the bottom of the career ladder and 220 Euros at the top, but there was also a stronger focus on training and significant investment in personal protective equipment, which has exceeded 600 thousand Euros over the last four years." Alonso Miguel also pointed out the redefinition of the pre-hospital emergency medical policy, which is now "closer, stronger and more professional, with more equipment, more specialised training and more resources for transporting victims." He revealed that "the planned investment in this area for 2025 is set at 7.9 million Euros, corresponding to an increase of 61% compared to 2020." Among the main investments in pre-hospital emergency medical care, the government official highlighted "the renewal of the Emergency Ambulance Fleet, with the acquisition of another nine ambulances, an investment of about one million Euros; the reinforcement of the Immediate Life Support Vehicle System, with the delivery of two new Immediate Life Support vehicles and three telemetry devices in October 2024, representing an investment of over 160 thousand Euros; and the reinforcement of Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency crews, with four additional crews since May 2025, corresponding to an additional investment of around 460 thousand Euros per year." According to Alonso Miguel, “these decisions, measures and investments are not improvised. They are the result of an integrated vision, where civil protection is not just a reaction but also planning, public policy and a statement of the Region's ability to take care of itself.” "Civil protection is not just an emergency response system. It contributes directly to the well-being and economic development of communities, promotes a sense of safety and fosters mutual trust between the population and the authorities," he stressed. The Regional Secretary stated that “in an archipelago where geography poses constant challenges, investing in civil protection is investing in regional sovereignty. It is about ensuring that, in the face of adversity, we have the means, skills and leadership. It is about asserting that autonomy is not measured solely in statutes but in the ability to protect every Azorean on every island and in all circumstances.” The government official concluded by stating that "the organisational model, the capacity for inter-institutional coordination, its integration into the territory and the level of technical training make the SRPCBA a national and international benchmark today." Alonso Miguel also acknowledged "the important role played by the former Presidents of the SRPCBA," who were honoured at the ceremony, "in building the Region's civil protection system." He also highlighted "the exemplary leadership of the current President, Major Rui Andrade, who has been instrumental in many of the achievements made in recent years." He also expressed his "appreciation and gratitude to the professionals at SRPCBA for their dedication and competence, as well as for the extraordinary work they do every day and the fundamental contribution they make to the recognised excellence of the Service, which is a source of pride for everyone."