On 31 July, President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited the newly established Disaster Management Centre in Madona. The centre houses facilities for the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD), as well as staff from the National Provision Agency.
The President familiarised himself with the infrastructure of the newly established centre and the working conditions of the service personnel, as well as their inter-agency cooperation. “Of course, the working conditions we see here motivate people to do their jobs. It is not only the salary that matters, although it is important, but also the environment in which one works,” said E. Rinkēvičs.
The establishment of new disaster management centres plays a crucial role in ensuring faster and better coordination between the responsible services. “These premises are used not only to store equipment, rest between call-outs, or manage emergency response operations, but also for training and inter-agency collaboration. When a firefighter and an emergency medical professional work in the same building, their cooperation improves. This, ultimately, benefits all of us,” said President Rinkēvičs.
