What does such cooperation look like, and which entities are responsible for it? Here is the most important information on the subject.

Operating under the auspices of CTIF

The fire service has participated in the work of CTIF for many years. It is the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services, whose main objective is to support and develop international cooperation in the field of firefighting and rescue operations, as well as civil protection. The chair of the National CTIF Committee in Poland is the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service, while the International Cooperation Bureau performs the duties of the secretariat. As its name suggests, it coordinates cooperation with other firefighting organizations around the world. An important partner is the European Union, specifically its member states, although cooperation also extends to other continents. The EU is important not only because Poland is part of it, but also because the State Fire Service obtains funding from it for training, equipment purchases and the modernization of buildings necessary for the proper operation of the fire service. The International Cooperation Bureau has three departments:

  • The Bilateral Cooperation Department – handles all matters related to planning, organizing, coordinating and monitoring the bilateral cooperation of the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service with foreign partners;
  • The Multilateral Cooperation Department is responsible for handling matters related to planning, organizing, coordinating and monitoring activities resulting from the Republic of Poland’s membership in the EU within the scope of responsibility of the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service;
  • The European Funds Department – analyzes and monitors activities concerning the acquisition and use by State Fire Service organizational units of financial resources from European funds.

Local activities

The State Fire Service cooperates not only at the regional level, carried out by the International Cooperation Bureau, but also at the local level. This cooperation is conducted by county fire service headquarters, and its main objectives are the mutual exchange of experience and the organization of joint initiatives with foreign partners aimed at cooperation in crisis situations. The international cooperation conducted by the fire service also includes joint exercises, training sessions, seminars and workshops, meetings and working visits, as well as ceremonial events. Various international firefighting and sports competitions should not be forgotten either. International cooperation of this kind is often established between fire service units belonging to partner cities.

International organizations

Firefighting is associated not only with the aforementioned CTIF organization. There are also two others: the Federation of European Union Fire Officers Associations (FEU) and the International Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO), which is involved in rescue operations.

Polish firefighters on international missions

The result of the State Fire Service’s international cooperation is the participation of Polish firefighters and rescuers in missions around the world. Among other things, they can take pride in providing assistance in Nepal, Haiti, the countries of Western and Southern Europe, as well as hot Africa. These missions mainly involve helping to rescue people who have suffered as a result of natural disasters, and in addition to specialized equipment, rescue dogs often take part in them as well. Polish firefighters are valued around the world for their excellent skills and versatility in their operations, which is why authorities in areas affected by disasters are eager to benefit from their assistance.

The article was prepared by the editorial team of remiza.pl