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It is with great pleasure that I am here today on the occasion of the upcoming cooperation between the Fire Service and EKO Cyprus.
"UNITE FORCES with energy for life". And yes we will join all our forces in order to protect the lives of our fellow citizens at all levels.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The phenomenon of climate change is leading to increasingly serious and devastating consequences, both in terms of the frequency and intensity of fires and the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena.
The cost of the fires that have occurred in recent years has been enormous for our country. The losses were incalculable for the environment, agriculture, the economy, but most of all, the human losses were irreplaceable.
In the face of these challenges, with the primary objective of ensuring human safety and protection, the need for continuous upgrading and strengthening of the Fire Service, both in terms of manpower, resources and equipment, is more than necessary.
Preparedness and prevention are the words that should become synonymous with fire protection in the countryside, respect for the natural environment and, in general, protection against all forms of danger.
The work carried out by the Fire Service is remarkable and the efforts of its members are rewarded by the recognition it receives daily from the citizens.
A service that serves the citizen, that rushes immediately in any situation of danger either to itself or to its property. It perceives and understands the anguish of each one of us, having been committed and trained to carry out this purpose by giving the best of its abilities.
The challenges of the Fire Brigade have increased over the years.
The evolution of technology and building development, natural and technological disasters due to the climate crisis, make the need for continuous upgrading and modernization of the firefighting fleet and equipment, in order to deal with a variety of incidents of a wide range of nature.
As the Ministry, but also myself personally, I assure you that we wish and choose to safely support the firefighter/rescuer.
We wish and choose to increase the quality of service to the citizen, with professionalism and proper training.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Order, implementing the Governance Programme of President Christodoulides, has placed very high on its priorities the continuous strengthening and upgrading of the Fire Service, both in terms of its logistical infrastructure and the firefighting fleet and equipment at its disposal.
The upgrading, reinforcement and modernisation of firefighting equipment, combined with the continuous training of personnel, contribute both to improving the level of response and to strengthening the suppressive capacity and capability of the Fire Service at operational level. At the same time, with the same strength and vigour they ensure and enhance the sense of security of the citizen.
EKO Cyprus' contribution in the context of its social corporate responsibility, with its generous sponsorship for the purchase of new rescue equipment to meet the needs of all cities in the country, but also to cover the cost of providing upgraded training for the members of the Fire Service, comes in aid of the Government's and the Ministry's efforts to maintain at a high level the professionalism and response capabilities of the Service to various incidents it is called upon to respond to by providing assistance to our citizens wherever and whenever needed.
Such initiatives, on the one hand, strengthen and enhance the operational readiness and response of the Service and, on the other hand, further boost the morale of its own members, who receive recognition for the work they do through the practical support of civil society.
On behalf of the Government, I would like to thank EKO Cyprus and its CEO Mr. George Gregora for the initiative they have taken and at the same time assure you that the assistance provided today to the Fire Service will be used to the best possible extent, always for the benefit of society and its citizens.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a few weeks we will enter the new fire season, a period which is expanding year by year and the risks of major and destructive fires are becoming ever greater.
Timely preparation, proper operational planning and the taking of all appropriate preventive measures in cooperation with all relevant services is crucial for the prevention of major fires.
I would like to express my hope and expectation that the human factor will not be the main source of fires again this year, once again stigmatizing the Cypriot countryside.
In conclusion, I take this opportunity to wish all members of the Fire Service good strength in their humanitarian and good work, which especially during the summer season becomes even more difficult, and to invite everyone to prepare themselves properly, so that they are always able to be at the highest possible degree of operational readiness, ready to respond successfully to the new demands of our time, always next to the citizens of our country.
In conclusion, allow me to address another thank you to EKO Cyprus for its social contribution.
Thank you.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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