In order to improve the physical capacity of responsible professionals in operational services and increase ability to cooperate in emergency situations, project N^o LLI-372 “Improvement of technical basis and physical capacity of responsible professionals in operational services in the border region of Latvia and Lithuania (All for Safety)” partner – State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia – has installed a mobile sports tower in Jelgava Technology Secondary School sports stadium.

Continuing implementation of planned project activities that are aimed at   increasing the efficiency of operational services work and cross-border cooperation in emergency situations, one of the most remarkable deliverables of the project is a purchase and installation of two mobile sports towers. The tower will contribute towards development of skills that are so important in the work of firefighters such as – firefighting, speed of rescuing people, moving heavy objects, and mutual collaboration in emergency situations i.e.

As a result, not only the improvement of physical capacity of responsible professionals in operational services and cooperation in emergency situations will be promoted, but also the quality of technical base of operational services that correspond to actual international standards in the field of firefighting will be increased.

Also Fire and Rescue Service in Lithuania, Siauliai Department has purchased a mobile sports tower and a specialized runway surface for relocating firefighting equipment, thus improving the professional competencies of its firefighters and strengthening fast response skills.

In order to improve the physical capacity of responsible professionals in operational services, in the third period of project implementation (01.07.2019-31.12.2019) the sports stadium of Jelgava Secondary School of Technology was renovated, creating it as a multifunctional physical training base, where operational rescue service specialists will be able to improve physical capacity and develop emergency response skills. Taking into account the developed infrastructure, it is also planned to organize various professional competitions in firefighting, trainings of area specialists and specialized outdoor activities.

By the end of the project implementation a long-term cooperation agreement will be signed among all partners, according to which the project partners agree on sharing developed infrastructure and technical base thus ensuring sustainability and accessibility of the results achieved within the project.

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 (PP3).

Total budget of the project: 564 290, 38 EUR, where EUR 479 646.82 (85%) is European Regional Fund funding and EUR 84 643, 56 EUR (15%) is National co-financing source (the state budget grant and partner contribution).

Project implementation period: July 30, 2018 until May 31, 2021.

More information: www.jelgava.lv