Burgas Honors Its Bravest: Firefighter of the Year 2024 Recognizes Local Heroes
In a heartfelt ceremony held at the Regional Police Department – Burgas, the National Competition “Firefighter of the Year” for 2024 celebrated the courage, dedication, and professionalism of local firefighters. The event,which took place in Burgas,highlighted the vital role these individuals play in ensuring public safety and protecting lives.
The competition, held in two stages—regional and national—aims to promote the firefighting profession, showcase daily activities, and elevate the prestige of fire safety bodies and population protection agencies. Since 2021, the competition has been divided into two categories: employees of the Directorate-General and partners, including representatives of state power, local self-government, legal entities, citizens, and voluntary formations.
This year’s honorees exemplify the spirit of service and bravery:
Inspector Georges Georgiev: A Hero in the Flames
Table of Contents
- Inspector Georges Georgiev: A Hero in the Flames
- Junior Inspector Plamen Petkov: A Pillar of control
- Inspector zhivko Dyakov: Inspiring the Next Generation
- Key Highlights of the 2024 Firefighter of the Year Awards
- Key Contributions of Mayor Ivan Alexiev
- Interview with Inspector zhivko Dyakov
- Interview with Mayor Ivan Alexiev
- Conclusion
In the “Fire Activity” category, Inspector Georges Georgiev from the Second District Service “Fire Safety and Population Protection” - Burgas was recognized for his extraordinary work. In 2024,Georgiev managed numerous accidents,including a critical incident on July 30,2024,when a fire broke out in an apartment on the 11th floor of a building in Burgas’s Copper Mine neighborhood.
“As an on-site manager, Inspector Georgiev performs a speedy assessment of the situation and takes the right action to save citizens and eliminate the accident,” the ceremony noted. Through a highly smoky staircase, Georgiev and his team entered the burning apartment, breaking down a locked door. The fire had engulfed the living room and spread to othre areas.
“Leading the group, Georgiev performs intelligence in all rooms of the apartment and on the West Terrace finds 3 children and 1 adult citizen,” the report stated. Wiht remarkable composure, he organized their safe evacuation through the smoke-filled corridor and ensured the fire was extinguished.
Junior Inspector Plamen Petkov: A Pillar of control
In the “Control Activity” category, Junior Inspector Plamen Petkov from RSPBZN-Sredets was honored for his diligent efforts to enhance fire safety and foster collaboration with local authorities.
“ml. inspector Plamen Petkov works diligently and purposefully to raise the prestige of the profession and increase the fire safety of the population in its entrusted section,” the ceremony highlighted. His work during critical campaign seasons, including spring-summer and autumn-winter, has been instrumental in maintaining high safety standards.
Inspector zhivko Dyakov: Inspiring the Next Generation
In the “Preventive activity” category, Inspector Zhivko Dyakov from the First RSPBZN – Burgas was celebrated for his work with schools, kindergartens, and universities.
“Thanks to its qualities and the desire to work with children, it successfully motivates and inspires young people on the territory of Burgas,” the ceremony noted. In 2024, Dyakov trained students from Anton Strashimirov Primary School, who secured second place in the regional MPO ”Young Firefighter” competition.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Firefighter of the Year Awards
| Category | Honoree | Achievements |
|————————-|—————————|———————————————————————————-|
| Fire Activity | Inspector Georges Georgiev| Led rescue operations in critical fires, including the Copper Mine apartment fire|
| Control Activity | Junior Inspector Plamen Petkov | Enhanced fire safety and collaboration with local authorities |
| preventive Activity | Inspector Zhivko Dyakov | Trained students, inspiring youth and promoting fire safety education |
The Firefighter of the Year competition not only honors individual achievements but also underscores the collective effort of fire safety bodies in safeguarding communities. as Burgas celebrates its heroes, the event serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication that define the firefighting profession.
for more inspiring stories of courage and service, explore the National competition “Firefighter of the Year” and its impact on communities across the region.Pomorie Mayor Ivan Alexiev Honored for Fire Safety Contributions
In a ceremony marked by recognition and gratitude, Ivan Alexiev, the Mayor of Pomorie Municipality, was awarded an individual honor in the Partners category of the National Firefighter of the Year competition. The award acknowledges his significant contributions to enhancing fire safety and protecting the population within the region.
Since taking office,Mayor Alexiev has demonstrated unwavering support for the Regional Fire Safety and Population Protection Service-Pomorie. His efforts have been instrumental in improving infrastructure, ensuring reliable water sources, and organizing voluntary formations to bolster community safety. These initiatives reflect his deep commitment to addressing fire safety challenges and elevating the quality of life for Pomorie’s residents.
One of the cornerstones of Alexiev’s leadership has been his consistent advocacy for financial support. Each year,he proposes that the Municipal Council allocate resources to sustain the activities of the RSPBZN-Pomorie. This funding has been pivotal in maintaining essential equipment, including fire trucks, motor and electric pumps, and motor blowers, as well as office supplies. Additionally, the municipality’s support has facilitated the upkeep of the main building, which underwent a significant renovation in 2018 as part of an energy efficiency project.The honors were presented by Senior Commissioner Nikolay Nikolaev, Director of the Regional Police Directorate-Burgas, who commended Alexiev’s dedication to public safety. “The Mayor’s efforts have not only strengthened our fire safety infrastructure but also fostered a culture of preparedness and resilience within the community,” Nikolaev remarked.
Key Contributions of Mayor Ivan Alexiev
| Initiative | impact |
|————————————|—————————————————————————|
| Infrastructure Improvements | Ensured reliable water sources in settlements |
| Financial Support | Allocated municipal funds for equipment and building maintenance |
| Voluntary Formations | Organized and equipped community volunteers for fire safety |
| Energy Efficiency Project | Renovated the main building in 2018 to improve sustainability |
Mayor Alexiev’s work serves as a model for other municipalities striving to enhance fire safety and protect their communities. His recognition in the National Firefighter of the Year competition underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between local governments and emergency services.
For more data on Pomorie’s initiatives, visit the official Pomorie Municipality website. To learn about the National Firefighter of the Year competition, explore the competition’s official page.
As Pomorie continues to prioritize safety and sustainability, Mayor Alexiev’s leadership remains a beacon of progress and dedication. His efforts remind us that proactive measures and community collaboration are essential in safeguarding lives and property.
Interview with Inspector zhivko Dyakov
Editor: Inspector Dyakov, congratulations on your recognition in the Firefighter of the Year awards! Can you tell us about your work in the “Preventive Activity” category and what inspired you to focus on educating young people?
Inspector Dyakov: Thank you! My work in the “Preventive Activity” category revolves around engaging with schools, kindergartens, and universities to promote fire safety education.I believe that empowering the younger generation with knowledge about fire prevention is crucial for building a safer community. My inspiration comes from seeing how eager and receptive young people are to learn, and it’s incredibly rewarding to motivate them to take an active role in fire safety.
Editor: Your efforts led students from anton Strashimirov Primary School to secure second place in the regional MPO “Young Firefighter” competition. Can you share how you prepared them for this achievement?
Inspector Dyakov: Absolutely! The readiness involved a series of interactive workshops and hands-on training sessions. We covered essential topics like fire prevention, emergency response, and the proper use of fire safety equipment. I also emphasized teamwork and problem-solving, which are critical skills in firefighting. The students were incredibly dedicated, and their hard work paid off, making us all proud.
Editor: How do you think your work impacts the broader community?
Inspector Dyakov: by educating young people, we’re not just teaching them about fire safety—we’re shaping future leaders who will carry this knowledge into their homes and communities. These students often share what they’ve learned with their families, spreading awareness and fostering a culture of safety. Additionally, our initiatives strengthen the collaboration between fire safety bodies and educational institutions, making our community more resilient.
Interview with Mayor Ivan Alexiev
editor: Mayor Alexiev,congratulations on your recognition in the National Firefighter of the Year competition! What does this award mean to you,and how does it reflect your commitment to fire safety?
Mayor Alexiev: Thank you! This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our community and the Regional Fire Safety and Population Protection Service-Pomorie. It highlights the importance of prioritizing fire safety and the role of local governments in protecting residents. For me, it’s a reminder that proactive measures and collaboration are essential for creating safer communities.
editor: You’ve been instrumental in improving fire safety infrastructure in Pomorie. Can you elaborate on some of the key initiatives you’ve spearheaded?
Mayor Alexiev: Certainly! One of our major initiatives was ensuring reliable water sources in settlements, which is critical for firefighting. We’ve also allocated municipal funds to support the RSPBZN-Pomorie, enabling them to maintain essential equipment like fire trucks, motor pumps, and motor blowers. Additionally, the renovation of the main building in 2018 as part of an energy efficiency project has made our operations more lasting.
Editor: How do voluntary formations contribute to fire safety, and what role do they play in your strategy?
Mayor Alexiev: voluntary formations are a vital part of our strategy.These community volunteers are trained and equipped to respond to emergencies, providing additional support to our professional firefighters. They help bridge gaps in resources and ensure a quicker response to incidents. By fostering a culture of preparedness, we’re building a safer and more resilient community.
Conclusion
The efforts of Inspector Zhivko Dyakov and Mayor Ivan Alexiev exemplify the dedication and collaboration needed to enhance fire safety and protect communities.Their work underscores the importance of education, infrastructure, and community involvement in creating a safer future. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both honorees for their outstanding contributions.
