The Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Santa Cruz das Flores marked its 75th anniversary with a ceremony that celebrated the institution’s long history of service and renewed its commitment to safeguarding the people of Flores Island.

Presiding over the commemorative session, Alonso Miguel highlighted the foundational role played by the island’s sole fire brigade and emphasized the Azores Government’s sustained investment in its modernization and professional recognition.

The regional official recalled that in 2025 the corps received a multi-casualty response trailer, representing an investment of approximately €100,000. During the first half of this year, the delivery of a new emergency ambulance—valued at around €73,000—is expected, along with a new command vehicle, representing an additional investment of roughly €43,000.

“In 2027, we will also deliver a heavy water tanker costing more than €300,000, significantly increasing this Fire Brigade’s response capacity and fulfilling a long-standing aspiration,” he added.

“In just three years, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service of the Azores, will have invested more than half a million euros in equipment for this Association,” Alonso Miguel underlined.

During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary praised “the remarkable trajectory of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Santa Cruz das Flores and the extraordinary service it has provided to the population across generations,” also underscoring the brigade’s operational importance.

“In 2025 alone, 425 incidents were recorded—a significant figure for the reality of Flores Island—which reflects the installed operational capacity, the quality of leadership, the dedication of the teams, and the strong sense of duty of all who wear this uniform,” he said.

From a public-policy perspective, Alonso Miguel framed these investments within a clear strategy to strengthen the sector, stressing that the Government has “valued the firefighting profession as never before in the Region.”

“The base salary for firefighters in the Azores now stands at €1,014—10 percent higher than in mainland Portugal—and has increased by more than €150 per month in just the last two years,” he noted.

On funding, he recalled the creation and implementation of a dedicated financing model for Volunteer Firefighter Associations, pointing out that for many years “there was no structured social policy directed at firefighters.” The current Social Statute of the Volunteer Firefighter in the Azores, he emphasized, “is the result of deliberate choices, sustained work, and a clear vision of the importance of those who serve.”

Alonso Miguel also highlighted the expansion of social benefits and incentives for volunteering as a concrete dimension of this policy. “In December, approximately €180,000 in support was paid to firefighters who fulfilled operational service, averaging more than €400 per firefighter,” he said, adding that “this month, support related to after-school programs for firefighters’ children will begin.” Altogether, he noted, “the social benefits created and implemented exceed half a million euros.”

Operationally, the Regional Secretary pointed to the ongoing renewal of the regional fleet of red and yellow emergency vehicles, representing an investment of more than €5 million, as well as the strengthening of pre-hospital emergency medical services, ensuring one ambulance for every 10,000 inhabitants.

Regarding the safety and protection of personnel, he also highlighted investments in Personal Protective Equipment, noting that the year concluded with the delivery of €300,000 worth of ARICAS units.

Looking ahead, Alonso Miguel stated that “still in the first half of this year, a set of structural investments will move forward to directly reinforce the operational capacity of Azorean Fire Brigades.” These include the delivery of two additional firefighting vehicles, 17 command vehicles—one for each fire brigade—70 defibrillator monitors to equip the Region’s emergency ambulances, and 12 more emergency ambulances.

This effort is complemented by ongoing investment in the Serviço Regional de Proteção Civil e Bombeiros dos Açores Training Center, including the construction of a high-rise training tower to further strengthen firefighters’ qualifications and operational readiness.

It was also announced that in 2026 the funding allocation for the Volunteer Firefighter Associations financing model will be increased by 50 percent, reaching a total investment of €750,000.

Concluding his remarks, Alonso Miguel reaffirmed the Azores Government’s determination to continue investing in resources, career development, and the consolidation of a modern and effective regional Civil Protection system.

From Press Release

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.