St. Florian port fire service20.05.2014 The International Firefighters' Day - observed as a tribute to those killed in action under the sign of the red and blue ribbon and as a mark of respect to all firefighters in recognition of efforts and putting their lives at risk - was initiated almost two decades ago in Australia, and continues to be observed all over the world on 4 May. However, members of the Marine Fire Service and Port Fire Service "Florian" observed their patron saint's feast day on 19 May. The official celebrations were held at the Northern Port Operational Basin. The PGA SA President of the Board - Dorota Raben - expressed her best wishes to mark the occasion and emphasized that firefighters deserve the highest appreciation and praise for their everyday efforts ensuring safety and protection of port personnel and infrastructure, which is of strategic significance to Poland's economy.  - The history of Port Fire Service in the Gdansk port dates back to 1946 - explained Cmdr Antoni Rudoman, CEO of the "Port of Gdansk Security Guard".
- In the following years and as a result of organisational transformations approved in 2013 by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, the marine department of "Port of Gdansk Security Guard" acquired the status of a fire prevention unit and assumed the name of "Marine Fire Service". There are currently two firefighter units operational in the Port of Gdansk - one at sea and one on land. Both services maintain permanent operational readiness and provide comprehensive prevention of fire and environmental emergencies on water and on land. They provide fire preventive assistance to cargo handling operations and protect assets owned by companies operating on the port premises. Both units employ a total of around one hundred firefighters trained in state firefighter schools and holding a specialist license for operating in marine environments. Additionally, Port Fire Service "Florian" runs a Professional Training and Development Centre providing UAV control simulators for training in extreme conditions.
The feast day of St. Florian's knights was officially established by the Polish Parliament in 2003 and traditionally provides the opportunity to acknowledge and praise the firefighters who distinguished themselves through their dedication to service. The presentation of certificates and orders of merit for firefighting made by Brigadier Krzysztof Roginski, Deputy Commander of Regional Fire Service HQ and Senior Brigadier Wojciech Prusak, Chief of Municipal Fire Service in Gdansk was followed by a parade of fire service vessels. Concluding the celebrations, the guests were invited to attend the official second-phase development launch of a training ground owned by the "Florian" Firefighting Training Centre and situated in the immediate vicinity of the Northern Port. Janusz Kasprowicz
PGA SA PR Officer
        
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