In order to increase the efficiency of operational services in Zemgale and Siauliai border regions through improvement of technical base and physical capacity of operational rescue services professionals and to promote cross-border cooperation in emergency situations, Jelgava City Council has finished project “Improving technical basis and physical capacity of responsible professionals in operational services in the border region of Latvia and Lithuania (All for Safety)” implementation activities.

In order to create qualitative and appropriate infrastructure for professional trainings and improve physical capacity of operational services professionals in Jelgava and Siauliai a reconstruction of sports stadium for Cross-fit trainings in Jelgava Secondary Technology School was implemented. Taking into account developed infrastructure the stadium is serving as a place where to organize various professional firefighting competitions, practical studies and trainings for industry professionals. The stadium also serves as an outdoor training place for city children, youth and adults to strengthen their physical skills and spend free time.

As invaluable contribution towards development of professional training base for operational rescue services and improvement of their physical competences a repair of the sports gyms in Jelgava and Siauliai must be mentioned. The sports gyms underwent cosmetic repairs and the purchase of modern sports equipment, including exercise equipment. Also a purchase of two mobile sports towers in Jelgava and Siauliai was arranged within the project. The sports towers are specialized in organizing professional trainings and cross-border competitions in fire sport. While the Fire and Rescue Department of Lithuania in Siauliai has purchased also specialized runway to move firefighting equipment to improve the professional competences and strengthen physical capacity of its firefighters.

In order to strengthen physical capacity of the specialists of operational services a number of different joint events like international competition in Fire Sport in Siauliai, Team building activity in Jelgava, professional training camp in Siauliai, training of four instructors for Cross-Fit training of operational service specialists in the future (2 representatives in Latvia, 2 – in Lithuania), as well as online competition -training among operational service specialists were organized in Jelgava and Siauliai.

While to raise awareness and popularize the fire and emergency service profession among schoolchildren and young people, international camp for children “Learn to be strong” was organized in Jelgava. During the camp children learned more about required knowledge, skills and competences which are essential in this profession.

Project objective: to improve efficiency of operational rescue services in Zemgale and Siauliai border regions trough improvement of infrastructure and strengthening capacity of its specialists to ensure cross border cooperation in emergency situations.

Project partners: Jelgava City Council (Lead partner), State Fire and Rescue Board of Latvia (PP2), Fire and Rescue Department of Lithuania (PP4) (former Siauliai County Fire and Rescue Board (PP3)).

Total budget of the project: 564 290, 40 EUR, where EUR 479 646.83 (85%) is European Regional Fund funding and EUR 84 643, 57 EUR (15%) is National co-financing source (the state budget grant and partner contribution).

Project implementation period: June 1, 2018 – May 31, 2021.

For more information: http://www.jelgava.lv/lv/pasvaldiba/dokumenti/projekti/2019-gads/