Rome, Dec. 4 (LaPresse) – “On the Feast of the Patron Saint Santa Barbara, the Republic renews its gratitude to the Firefighters for their generous commitment in ensuring the safety of people and the protection of property and the environment.” This is what President Sergio Mattarella wrote in a message to the Head of the Fire Department, Civil Public Rescue, and Civil Defense, Attilio Visconti.
“High levels of technical expertise characterize the actions of the Firefighters, ensuring timely effectiveness in complex scenarios, including missions abroad and within the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism,” the Head of State continued, emphasizing that “the contribution of the Firefighters in combating wildfires and safeguarding environmental assets and the country’s historical and artistic heritage is invaluable, as is their role in strengthening a culture of workplace risk prevention and ensuring collective safety during major events, such as the current Jubilee year. The evolving risk scenarios, the impact of climate change, and the exponential development of technology pose new challenges for the National Corps, a fundamental component of the Civil Protection system. Expertise and operational efficiency are combined with constant attention to people and great humanity. In the most critical situations, Firefighters, staying close to those in difficulty with clarity and courage, empathy, and determination, put into practice the constitutional values of solidarity,” Mattarella added.
He concluded: “On today’s occasion, I extend a heartfelt thought to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. My deepest sympathies go to their families. To all Firefighters and their families, I convey my best wishes for a happy feast day.”