Support by U.S. Embassy and United States European Command Contributes to Strengthening State Fire and Rescue Service
On 28 October 2021, representatives of the Fire and Rescue Department organized press conference in Lazdijai Fire and Rescue Service. Press conference aimed at presenting cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania and United States European Command, particularly, expressing gratitude for receiving goods for Lithuanian firefighters rescuers. The total value of this support, which includes clothing for firefighters rescuers, equipment and items for equipping the resting area, comprises more than 500 thousand US dollars.
“On behalf of all Lithuanian firefighters rescuers, I would like express my sincere gratitude to U.S. Embassy in Lithuania and the authority of United States European Command for kind cooperation and support, which not only helps to strengthen the readiness of the State Fire and Rescue Service of Lithuania, but also to improve working conditions of Lithuanian firefighters“, – greeted general Saulius Greičius, Director of the Fire and Rescue Department. He also added being glad to inform that the repair works of Panevėžys Fire and Rescue Service building, which is being supported by the funds of the U.S. Embassy, will be completed shortly. “We also strongly expect that due to kind support of colleagues from the USA, buildings of two more fire stations will be renovated in Lithuania in the future“, – he added.
“This support is provided under the U.S. Department of Defense under the Humanitarian Assistance (HA) Program. Firefighters rescuers will be equipped with new and modern equipment, various tools, generators, tents, household items and other useful things. It will improve the overall capacity of firefighters rescuers and assist them while responding to emergency calls more quickly“, – said major Michael McAfee, U.S. Army, Civil and Military Cooperation Group.
The Fire and Rescue Department has 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.
Both parties expressed their intentions to successfully continue and further develop international cooperation in the future.