Firefighters’ Day Celebration

In 2003, the Polish Sejm established 4 May as Firefighter's Day, which is celebrated as a professional holiday. On that day, we also remember those who died in the line of duty. During today's celebration, the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service submitted an official report to the President of the Republic of Poland and the Prime Minister. Graduates of the Fire School received promotions to the rank of first officer in the State Fire Service. President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda also handed out certificates conferring the ranks of superintendent.

“People's hearts beat with gratitude for your bravery, courage, because at the sound of the fire engine sirens, heroes are simply born. Ordinary boys, men, women, girls turn into people who are ready to risk their lives and health for the good of the community, for the good of other human beings,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stressed.

Support for the State Fire Service

We have introduced the Modernization Program for the Police, Border Patrol, State Fire Service and State Security Service in 2022-2025. Thanks to it, the State Fire Service will receive more than PLN 1.9 billion. The program is based on two segments. Under the first one, 53 new fire stations will be built, and 67 existing buildings will be modernized. There are also plans to buy a total of 40 special fire vehicles. The second segment is investments in human capital. The State Fire Service will be strengthened by 750 new full-time positions over four years. The State Fire Service also receives funding through targeted projects.

“We are making sure that all of your actions are carried out as safely as possible, precisely by providing new fire engines, as well as state-of-the-art equipment,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said.

Support for Volunteer Fire Service

Since 2016, we have subsidized the purchase of 2951 fire engines for Volunteer Fire Service units across the country. In 2023, we plan to purchase 677 fire and rescue vehicles.

More than 3300 Volunteer Fire Service units will be equipped with other firefighting equipment this year, among others with:

• personal protective equipment (uniforms, helmets, safety boots);
• communications equipment, tools (chainsaws for wood and metal);
• rescue and firefighting equipment (pumps, hoses).

“This year, we will donate a record number of fire engines to the Volunteer Fire Service and the State Fire Service,” the Prime Minister stressed.

We also support youth fire teams. Last year, we donated PLN 25 million for this purpose, this year it's PLN 40 million. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stressed that this is money well invested.

Support for Firefighters and their Families

We have introduced solutions that directly support firefighters and their families.

• Act amending Certain Acts in Connection with Introduction of a Benefit for Long Service

State Fire Service officers will receive a new benefit after 15 years of service. The amount of the benefit is 5 percent of the base salary due upon reaching 15 years of service. It is increased by the amount of 1 percent of the base salary due for each additional year of service started, but no more than 15 percent after 25 years of service.

• Act on Volunteer Fire Service

Thanks to it, nearly 100,000 retired firefighters received the long-awaited rescue benefit for years of service in the Volunteer Fire Service. The right to this benefit is granted to those Volunteer Fire Service members who have actively participated in operations or actions at least once each year for at least 25 years (men) or 20 years (women).

• The Act on the Monetary Benefit due to Family Members of Officers or Professional Soldiers whose Death Occurred in Connection with Service or Undertaking Off-duty Activities to Save Human Life, Health or Property

This will provide financial support to the relatives of State Fire Service officers and Volunteer Fire Service firefighters whose deaths occurred in connection with, among others, the performance of their duties in life-threatening and health-threatening conditions. The benefit will also go to the family of those who undertook off-duty activities related to the protection of public safety and order, the rescue of human life, health or property, which result in the endangerment of their own life or health.

“I thank your families for their understanding, for giving you the strength for your actions. They also serve the Republic with you,” the head of the government noted.