President Andrzej Duda led a ceremony in Warsaw on Saturday during which a number of senior firefighters were promoted to general and many others elevated to higher ranks.
Duda said during the ceremony that firefighters, both professional and volunteer, deserve praise because their service carries many risk and requires dedication and courage.
The president thanked the nation’s firefighters, saying they were admired for their selflessness and strong spirit.
Duda told those gathered at Warsaw’s Piłsudski Square that Polish firefighters were often deployed to help during emergencies abroad.
"You are building a strong brand for Poland internationally as you support our allies and partners across the European Union," he said.
He thanked Poland's fire service for taking part in foreign rescue missions, including helping to extinguish forest fires in Greece in July last year and for helping its counterpart in war-torn Ukraine.
Duda's message was echoed by Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, who assured firefighters that their work was "appreciated, rewarded and respected."
"Every day you go out to save lives and property, and I thank you for that very much," Kierwiński said.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński thanks Poland’s firefighters for their service during a speech in Warsaw on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka
Saturday's ceremonies were held to mark International Firefighters' Day on May 4.
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Source: IAR, PAP