José Manuel Bolieiro presided over the 150th-anniversary ceremony of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Ribeira Grande, the oldest in the Azores. This event coincided with the Municipal Firefighter’s Day.
The Azorean executive head (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) highlighted the measures already implemented, such as salary reviews, social status revisions, and the enhancement of service time for firefighter retirement benefits.
“All the men and women who wear this uniform give their best to this cause, where sacrifice often surpasses benefit. Yet, they continue to serve with courage and dedication,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro.
Bolieiro also emphasized the efforts made by the Regional Civil Protection and Firefighters’ Service of the Azores, working in collaboration with all regional brigades.
In a statement released by the executive, the president of the Azorean Government also warned about future challenges, highlighting the increasing need for capacity building, and most importantly, prevention, considering that natural phenomena are becoming more frequent and intense.
During the session, certificates of recognition, decorations, and promotions were awarded, “in a symbolic gesture that valued the merit, dedication, and commitment of those who are part of the brigade,” according to the statement.
The Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Ribeira Grande received the “Collar of Merit” from the Portuguese Firefighters League, one of the highest honors in the sector, “for its prestige and longstanding work across generations,” the Azorean executive stated.
José Manuel Bolieiro, cited in the same statement, praised the longevity of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Ribeira Grande, led by Norberto Gaudêncio, considering it “a symbol of pride and dedication, revealing the nobility of those who, generation after generation, have served and continue to serve the Azores with a profound sense of mission.”
