Volunteer Firefighters Festival 2024: A Celebration of Courage and Involvement for the Safety of Communities
More than 150 volunteer firefighters from across the country gathered this Saturday, November 9, 2024, in Zubrești village, Strășeni district, for the third edition of the Volunteer Firefighters Festival. The event was organized by the Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), and the Zubrești City Hall, to celebrate the courage of those who risk their lives for the safety of their communities. The initiative is part of the “EU4 Moldova Resilience – Secure State, Resilient Communities” project, funded by the European Union.
During the event, 16 volunteer firefighter teams participated in competitions, testing their skills in three specific tasks: intervention equipment, vehicle-based combat operations, and victim rescue. The volunteer firefighters and rescuers showcased not only outstanding technical proficiency but also exceptional dedication to their rescue missions.
At the festival, discussion panels were also held on topics such as effective collaboration between volunteer firefighters and improvements in intervention activities, providing valuable opportunities for learning and exchanging best practices.
“Volunteer firefighters play an essential role in our communities, contributing not only to public safety but also to fostering a sense of unity. By dedicating their time and efforts without compensation, they often become the first responders to emergencies, offering help swiftly and efficiently. This is why it is so important to organize such events and show our appreciation,” said Aleco Sandu, Deputy Chief of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“For three years, the Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova has been organizing the Volunteer Firefighters Festival. In previous years, the event was supported by Polish Aid funds, and now it benefits from the financial support of the European Union. Since 2022, we have taken concrete steps in the field of civil protection: we are building volunteer fire stations, equipping them with modern tools, training firefighters, and working to establish a supportive regulatory framework for the development of this sector,” said Przemysław Musiałkowski, Country Director of Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.
The festival was a true celebration for the entire family. Children enjoyed interactive activities in a special entertainment area, and visitors had the opportunity to explore local and handcrafted products at the commercial stands.
“The event is part of the ‘EU4 Moldova Resilience – Secure State, Resilient Communities’ project, which aims to create a safer environment for citizens by strengthening the capacities of institutions for protecting and managing emergency situations. By November 2025, the project will include the construction of 10 volunteer fire stations, the equipping of 35 units with advanced communication systems, and the provision of 350 sets of protective gear for firefighters. Through this festival, we aim to raise public awareness about the heroic work and the risks faced by volunteer firefighters,” said Nicolae Soloviov, Project Manager.
In the Republic of Moldova, there are over 20 territorial fire and rescue posts in various localities across the country. More than 500 people have dedicated themselves to responding to emergencies in their communities on a voluntary basis.
The “EU4 Moldova Resilience – Secure State, Resilient Communities” project is funded by the European Union through the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) and is implemented by the Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.
