President Milanović sends greetings on Firefighters’ Day: If everything would function as a fire brigade, Croatia would already today be the strong and orderly state we want it to be

Croatian firefighting is one of the public services we can be proud of. Not just because of the long tradition of firefighting that spans 160 years, but first and foremost because of the commitment and responsibility with which firefighters, mostly on a voluntary basis, set about this difficult and dangerous work today. Firefighting initially developed in northern Croatia, but today we have a network of professional and volunteer firefighters spread across all Croatia that guarantee everyone speedy and unselfish assistance. Close encounters with danger, uncertainty and risking their own lives is an everyday occurrence for members of the professional and volunteer firefighting units that have just one goal – to protect lives and property, help people in need.

If everything in Croatia would function like a fire brigade and other services and professions, Croatian would already today be the strong and orderly state we want it to be. Therefore, all those state authorities that decide on the status and rights of firefighters must take into account the individuals who do not claim their rights when they have to save people and property from fire, floods or earthquakes. The risk that firefighters expose themselves to is priceless, but their service has enormous value for the entire society and this must be respected.

Congratulations on Firefighters’ Day, the feast of St. Florian, to all those in Croatia who engage in firefighting either on a professional or voluntary basis.