Kalvarija Fire and Rescue Station Has Been Renovated With Funding From the United States
On the 13th of August 2024, the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the renovated Kalvarija Fire and Rescue Station. The overhaul was funded by the United States of America (USA).
The opening ceremony of the renovated Kalvarija Fire and Rescue Station was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, Ms Kara C. McDonald, Deputy Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr Arnoldas Abramavičius, Director of the Fire and Rescue Department, Mr Saulius Greičius and other distinguished guests.
“Our country’s firefighters greatly appreciate the support they have received from the United States for the second decade in a row. Exercises, seminars, donations, and the renovation of one fire station after another help not only to strengthen the preparedness of our rescuers, but also to improve their working conditions. We are very grateful for what we have already managed to do and for the fact that thanks to the support of the United States of America many more fire stations will be renovated in Lithuania,” said the Director of the Fire and Rescue Department, Mr Greičius.
“Today, we celebrate not only the renewal of the Kalvarija Fire and Rescue Station but also the strong collaboration and deep friendship between the U.S. and Lithuania. This project, supported by the U.S. government, reflects our shared commitment to enhancing safety by improving fire and rescue infrastructure across the country,“ said U.S. Ambassador McDonald during the event.
The value of the overhaul works carried out at Kalvarija Fire and Rescue Station reaches USD 350 000. The renovation not only improved the working conditions for firefighters, but also reduced the operational costs of the building.
Thanks to the support of the United States of America, the 1st Fire and Rescue Brigade of Panevėžys Fire and Rescue Board was renovated last year in Lithuania and the renovation works have already been carried out at Šalčininkai Fire and Rescue Service. In June this year, the renovation works have already started at Skuodas Fire and Rescue Service, while the selection of contractors is underway at Švenčionys Fire and Rescue Service. Renovation of the buildings of Biržai and Plungė Fire and Rescue Services is planned as well.
The Fire and Rescue Department started to cooperate with colleagues from the USA in 2007. From that time representatives of the Fire and Rescue Department had opportunities to participate in exercises in the USA, attend seminars and other related events. In 2021, the Fire and Rescue Department received support for Lithuanian firefighters from the United States European Command. The total value of this support, which included firefighters’ clothing, equipment and items for resting premises, was more than USD 500 000.