The Humanitarian Association of the Volunteer Firefighters of Famalicão marked its 135th anniversary last Saturday, 10 May, with a solemn session marked by the imposition of insignia and the awarding of gold, silver and bronze badges to a number of personalities and members of the corporation for their services to the Humanitarian Association. 

At the ceremony, which took place at the fire station, the mayor, Mário Passos, thanked the altruistic and volunteer spirit that has always characterised the work of the institution. ‘They are an example of readiness and response to the population, they look after the safety of people and property and it is right to recognise this capacity to serve and this example of dedication.’  

The mayor also recalled the support policy that the municipality provides to all the fire brigades in the county, which has been reinforced in recent years with a 40 per cent increase, exceeding 700,000 euros, and which ‘expresses the recognition of the importance that this service to the community has for us’. 

At last Saturday's ceremony, the fire brigade was presented with six new vehicles, namely a tanker lorry, two ambulances, a rescue vehicle and a light car, which will serve the institution. ‘We're continuing to work to give the fire brigade all the conditions it needs to serve the population promptly, effectively and responsively, which was the purpose of founding this institution 135 years ago,’ said Avelino Reis, now president of the Humanitarian Association.

Mário Passos also praised the institution's ‘associative dynamics and involvement with the community’, characterised by the various initiatives it promotes, which go far beyond the rescue service. ‘This is work that we are very proud of and grateful for,’ he said.