President Milanović in Varaždin: Firefighters have always been prepared to risk their lives for the safety of their community
“Since its inception, firefighting has been an integral part of modern political life in Croatia, even at a time when most of the population lacked a standardised language and formal education. Despite modest resources and primary tools, firefighters have always been prepared to risk their lives for the safety of their community,” the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović stated in Varaždin at the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Volunteer fire department also known as the “First Croatian Volunteer Fire Brigade in Varaždin,” which also marked 160 years of voluntary firefighting in the Republic of Croatia.
President Milanović also pointed out that the organisation of firefighting shows how strong and cohesive the local community is in most of Croatia and how much people stick together.
President Milanović further reminded that the Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded in 1864 in Varaždin at the initiative of city authorities, but also with the approval of the then-government in Budapest. “From the first day it was called “hrvatski zbor” (Croatian corps), which is not insignificant”, underlining its role in building national identity. “Just three years earlier, the Academy of Sciences and Arts, as the spiritual and intellectual connective tissue of the Croatian people, was founded at the initiative of Bishop Strossmayer, although Croatia at that time was still without Dalmatia”, he noted.
Finally, President Milanović thanked all the firefighters on their past efforts and sacrifices and expressed his gratitude for all they will do in the future.
As part of the celebration of this important anniversary of Varaždin and Croatian firefighting, a parade of firefighters from all over Croatia took place, featuring dozens of fire trucks, from the oldest to the most modern. Moreover, three demonstration rescue exercises were held in the streets of Varaždin. Prior to the main celebration in Capuchin Square, President Milanović inspected the Volunteer Fire Department’s firefighters’ formation where he was presented with a honorary member’s plaque by the Department commander Jurica Buden.
Also addressing the gathering besides President Milanović was the president of the Volunteer Fire Department “the First Croatian Volunteer Fire Brigade in Varaždin” Radovan Martinec and the Chief Firefighting Commander of the Republic of Croatia Slavko Tucaković.
Alongside President Milanović was the Adviser to the President for Human Rights and Civil Society Melita Mulić.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas