Extra benefits for retired firefighters

On 1 January 2022, the Act on Volunteer Fire Brigade came into force that regulates the organisation and functioning of the Volunteer Fire Department. The solutions contained in the act introduce extra benefits for the volunteers who take active part in rescue operations. The additional money in the amount of PLN 200 per month will paid from the state budget to volunteer women who reach the age of 60 and to volunteer men who reach the age of 65. The act also regulates the issues of compensation for firefighters and their families in the event of injury, death or damage suffered as a result of participation in rescue operations.

- Having listened to the voice of the entire community of  the Volunteer Fire Department, we have decided, for the first time in history, to adopt a law on Volunteer Fire Brigade. With the act we secure retirement benefits for firefighters and, at the same time, solid compensation for those who get heavily injured during rescue operations - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

The act determines a structure, in the form of an agreement, of the relationship between a municipality and the Volunteer Fire Brigade. A per the act, free training and  category C licence courses for the Volunteer Fire Department will be financed from the state budget. Legal protection of volunteer firefighters has been strengthened and a volunteer firefighter's ID card has been introduced, which entitles the holder to take advantage of various discounts.  

Modernisation programme of uniformed services 

The State Fire Service will receive nearly PLN 2 billion under the Modernisation programme of uniformed services 2022-2025. The funds will be allocated to build new fire stations and modernise the existing ones. As part of the Programme, purchase of 40 special purpose fire-fighting vehicles is planned. Additionally, the State Fire Service will be strengthened by 750 new positions over 4 years.

- Never before, at least in the history of the Third Polish Republic, has there been a time as the last few years when we are handing over technical equipment, advanced equipment and fire-fighting vehicles, which throughout Poland - in villages, towns and cities - serve us all in the best possible way - said the Prime Minister.

Assistance during the pandemic and the war in Ukraine

The State Fire Service is involved in a number of activities resulting from its own statutory tasks and supporting other services and entities, including governors and local government units.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the firefighters from the State Fire Service have been helping those in need by, inter alia,  delivering medicines, food, essential articles and transporting medical personnel. 

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the State Fire Service has been involved in activities enabling,  among other things, the admission, transport and stay of foreigners in our country. Firefighters support the activities of government and local government units at selected railway stations throughout Poland.

- Volunteer Fire Brigades - over 16,000 units nationwide - our great national asset. The units that make up local communities. Everything you do in your locations and what you have done during the pandemic recently, or your assistance for the refugees at the border now, is great help for the whole Poland - said the head of Polish government.

International Firefighters' Day

The Prime Minister met with firefighters of the Volunteer Fire Brigade (OSP) in Kroczewo, Mazovia. In 2002, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland established 4th of May as an official celebration day of the State Fire Service and and Volunteer Fire Department in Poland. Firefighters’ Day falls on the memorial day of Saint Florian in the Catholic Church. In this special time, we express our gratitude for the service and dedication of firefighters.

- The whole Poland expresses its appreciacion for your wonderful service. For the fact that you create local communities at grassroots and for sacrificing your health, time and hearts for us Poles in various circumstances. Thank you for being there where there are fires, floods and accidents - said the Prime Minister.