Riccardi signs new three-year agreement with the Fire Brigade

"The signing of the new three-year agreement between the Region, the Prefecture of Trieste, and the Regional Fire Brigade Directorate reaffirms the centrality of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Civil Protection Department within the emergency management system and confirms our commitment to investing in an advanced, effective, and deeply institutionally integrated security model."

This was stated by Riccardo Riccardi, Regional Councillor for Health, Social Policies and Disability with responsibility for Civil Protection, at the signing of the new agreement between the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Prefecture of Trieste, and the Department of Fire Brigade, Public Rescue and Civil Defense of the Ministry of the Interior, which took place in the Prefecture of Trieste.

The councilor explained that "this agreement, valid for the period 2025-2028, confirms and updates the contents of the previous conventions and provides for a total funding of 1.2 million euros from the Regional Fund for Civil Protection for joint activities between the Regional Operations Room (SOR) of Palmanova and the Fire Brigade commands, with particular reference to emergency management, prevention and the fight against forest fires."

Among the objectives established by the agreement are: the implementation of broadband digital and radio connections between the SOR and the operational structures of the Fire Brigade; joint emergency scenario planning; integrated participation in forest firefighting activities; the training and instruction of Civil Protection volunteers and Fire Brigade personnel, including through the involvement of the Regional Forestry Corps; and the organization of joint exercises and activities.

Riccardi added that "the new agreement also provides for the possibility of establishing mixed relief modules to ensure rapid assistance to the population affected by exceptional disasters both nationally and across Europe. Interconnection between regional and state operational structures is essential for responding promptly and accurately to disasters, which, unfortunately, are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, we have built a model based on the active involvement of all actors in the emergency response system, from volunteers to technical staff, and on interinstitutional cooperation. This agreement consolidates and renews this vision, integrating new tools and synergies to effectively address any situation."