Valuing human resources is a priority for the Taipas Volunteer Fire Department

The valorization of human resources is one of the priority challenges taken on yesterday by the management of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Taipas (AHBVT) in the celebrations of the corporation’s 137th anniversary. Luís Soares, president of the institution, highlighted that “one of our concerns is the valorization of human resources” and recalled that all members of the active body are volunteers, that is, they receive nothing for their performance.
“It is good to take into account that we are one of the only institutions in the district that does not have a full-time active staff member. They only do this on a voluntary basis. This means savings for the institution, but it also means that we have to look at this mission in an even more professional way. This is one of the priorities that we have to dedicate ourselves to”, highlighted the president of the AHBVT board. Luís Soares recalled that some of the objectives have already been achieved this year, such as “interesting salary increases” and training in sign language.

In terms of equipment, the corporation has already been reinforced with an ambulance and a truck, but more news is expected in the near future. “Two more vehicles have already been purchased for next year. We will also move towards the acquisition of transport vehicles”, expressed Luís Soares.
The president of the AHBVT board hopes to be able to count on the collaboration of the Guimarães City Council, companies and civil society to purchase these vehicles.
The leader also appealed for the collaboration of the municipality of Guimarães to restore the swimming pools of the Taipas Volunteer Firefighters. Luís Soares thanked the local authority for its availability whenever it was asked to collaborate, and for the availability shown by the governing bodies and management members. The solemn session was also marked by posthumous tributes to Alberto Ribeiro and commander Francisco Pereira and the unveiling of plaques of the worthy members.

VUCI is a primordial necessity

Obtaining an urban firefighting vehicle is the need most felt by the command of the Taipas Volunteer Firefighters (BVT), which yesterday marked 137 years of existence. The vehicle allows the corporation to increase its operational capacity. “We have some material needs. Primarily there is a need for an Urban Fire Fighting Vehicle. The existing one dates back to 1987”, stated Hermenegildo Abreu, commander of the BVT. The acquisition of this vehicle, with the help of the City Council, is truly the corporation’s most desired gift. “Despite the prevailing difficulties, since 2014, we have been requesting support from the Mayor of Guimarães, Dr. Domingos Bragança, for the acquisition of an Urban Fire Fighting Vehicle (VUCI). The desired gift for these 137 years would be the president of the Municipal Council of Guimarães, Domingos Bragança, to present us with the award of a VUCI”, pointed out the BVT commander.

The fire department recently received two vehicles, a rescue ambulance and a truck with the capacity to transport 35 thousand liters of water.
“We would like to have more modern, stronger, functional vehicles, with new technologies, in order to provide a faster and more effective response”, considered commander Hermenegildo Abreu.

Domingos Bragança: “The city council is available to support firefighters”

The president of the Guimarães City Council, Domingos Bragança, expressed his full availability yesterday to support the Taipas Volunteer Firefighters. Taking the floor at the solemn session commemorating the corporation’s 137th anniversary, marked yesterday, Domingos Bragança said that the municipality would like support to be coordinated with local, regional and national entities. “The City Council is available to support, but I want this support to be coordinated, or at least attempted, with national and regional entities, so that the effort does not just stop at the city council. I also prefer the involvement of the community, companies and people. We are talking about very high values”, highlighted Domingos Bragança. The mayor of Guimarães also called for the involvement of various entities in “valuing firefighter careers. It is necessary to look at the incentive framework for volunteering, but also at the remuneration framework, in a way that allows those who embrace this cause to feel that they have taken care of their present and future. It is legitimate and fair for them to do so. There is a need for increasing professionalization of the Taipas Firefighters”, highlighted Domingos Bragança.

Regarding the pool, the mayor of Guimarães said that the city council supports the renovation, “as long as the Taipas Volunteer Firefighters pools are for the community of Caldas das Taipas. The financing of the project is assured by the Chamber and we will then establish the support framework”, indicated Domingos Bragança.

People offered an ambulance

The celebrations of the 137th anniversary of the Taipas Volunteer Firefighters were marked by the blessing of two vehicles: a rescue ambulance and a truck to transport 35 thousand liters of water.
The ambulance was offered by the population of Caldas da Taipas as part of the ‘Write Your Name on the Ambulance’ campaign, carried out by the Taipas Volunteer Firefighters. These names include singer Zé Amaro and footballers, such as Varela, from Vitória Sport Clube.
Luís Soares, president of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Taipas, highlighted the commitment of civil society in the campaign.

“After a fundraising campaign, which aimed to acquire an ambulance, and which had the immediate support of the Guimarães City Council, the presidents of councils and the parish priests, public figures and a group of entities that lent the image, it is our duty to thank everyone who contributed to the Write Your Name of the Ambulance campaign”, said Luís Soares,
The amount raised “exceeded our best expectations. Thank you all very much for this objective that, together, we managed to achieve”, added the president of the Humanitarian Association of Taipas Volunteer Firefighters (AHBVT). Luís Soares recalled that on Tuesday night the new institutional image of AHBVT was publicly presented. The president of the AHBVT General Assembly, José Luís Azevedo, also referred to the campaign stating that “it was a great success”.

The commemorative session included representatives from the Braga District Firefighters Federation, the Ave sub-regional command of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, the Portuguese Firefighters League and the parishes in the Taipas Firefighters area.