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The government has supported volunteer fire-fighting associations with more than HUF 1.8B (EUR 4.5M) over the past four years through the Village Civil Fund, part of the Hungarian Village Program.
This announcement was made by Alpár Gyopáros, the Government Commissioner responsible for the development of modern settlements, during a ceremony in Tét (western Hungary), marking the 150th anniversary of the local fire-fighting association.
Alpár Gyopáros, who is also a Fidesz MP for the region, stated that the associations could use the funds to expand, renovate, or build their fire stations. They could also purchase or replace vehicles, upgrade equipment, and cover event costs.
He emphasized that as long as the Hungarian Village Program continues, there will be a Village Civil Fund.
As long as there is a Village Civil Fund, the application needs of the volunteer fire brigades will remain a priority, just as in previous years. The Government Commissioner highlighted that volunteer firefighters work beside their full-time jobs, sacrificing their free time, and often their own money to buy equipment or travel to competitions.
At the ceremony, the government Mr. Gyopáros presented the association with a certificate of honor from the Győr-Moson-Sopron County Municipality, awarded on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.
The Firemen’s Association of Tét was founded on May 14, 1874 with 24 members. Today, they carry out fire-fighting and technical rescue tasks as independent responders in eight other neighboring villages. More than 7,000 people live in these settlements, and the organization currently has 63 members.
Ödön Széchenyi on Károly Rusz’s (1811-1899) engraving. Picture: Wikipedia
Count Ödön Széchenyi (1839-1922, the younger son of the famous reformer statesman count István Széchenyi) , inspired by his experiences in England, initiated the organization of fire protection in Hungary in 1862, advocating for a volunteer fire brigade. Recognizing the limitations of a purely volunteer system, he proposed a professional municipal fire brigade in 1869. By 1870, both the Budapest Volunteer and Professional Fire Brigades were established. Additionally, the Hungarian National Firefighters’ Association was founded on December 5, 1870, aiming to develop the country’s firefighting institutions.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Pixabay