A ceremonial sitting of the Tugonica – Podgrače volunteer fire brigade was held in Marija Bistria on Saturday to mark the 80th anniversary of its foundation. The society's president, Stjepan Skuliber, who has served for more than 25 years, reflected on the institution's long history in his address.
Skuliber highlighted that the Tugonica and Podgrače volunteer fire brigades had established a joint volunteer fire brigade in 1946, which continues to operate as a connected community today. "We have become a recognizable entity in Croatia and beyond. All members, from the youngest to the oldest, can be proud of the past and look to the future," said Skuliber.
The assembly was addressed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Croatia and State Secretary, Slavko Tucaković, as well as Nedeljko Vukalović, deputy president of the Croatian Firefighters' Association, Zvonko Ortner, commander of the Krapina-Zagorje County Fire Department, Srećko Bahlen, president of the Zagreb City Fire Department, and Velimir Babić, commander of the Marija Bistria local fire department. Josip Milčki, the local mayor, also addressed the gathering.
Deputy County President Jasna Petek, who attended the ceremony, highlighted the importance of firefighting as a way of life and a family tradition, as well as its vital role in protecting citizens and their property. "You are the first to respond to the field in the event of any disasters, accidents, or difficult situations for any of us. What makes you special is above all your nobility and your willingness to give a large part of your free time to the community, for the common good, for the safety and protection of people and property," Petek said.
Petkin presented Stjepan Skuliber, president of the Tugonica – Podgrače volunteer fire brigade and, concurrently, the county fire department, with a certificate of appreciation from the Krapina-Zagorje County for his honourable and successful work, protection of property and people, and contribution to the community. Representatives from the Zagreb, Krapina-Zagorje, Varaždin, Karlovac, Bjelovar-Bilogora, Koprivnica-Križevci, Međimurje, Vukovar-Srijem, and Šibenik-Knin counties were also in attendance.
A film about the work and achievements of the Tugonica – Podgrače volunteer fire brigade was shown, and numerous awards were presented. Adrian Redžić was awarded the Firefighters' Medal for 10 years of service, and Jurica Skuliber for 20 years. Bronze fire brigade medals were awarded to Renato Hoić, Lovro Klancir, Luka Klancir, Anđelko Kosalec, Marko Miketić, Matija Pezić, Marko Skulber, and Mladen Skulber. Bronze fire brigade badges were awarded to Robert Cavor, Igor Dolčić, Matija Klemar, and Žarko Pozaić. The fire brigade medal for 40 years of service was awarded to Željko Sreba. The silver fire brigade medal was awarded to Hrvoje Čale, Tihomir Čale, Nevenka Đurđek, and Davor Hoić. The silver fire brigade badge was awarded to Siniša Matok, Ivan Mesar, and Jurica Skulber. The gold fire brigade medal was awarded to Elvis Lacković, Stjepan Matok, Stjepan Miketić, and Marko Skulber. Stjepan Skulber was also awarded the Order of Merit for special services.
Special thanks were extended to Srećko Bahlen, Željko Blažinović, Zdravko Grabuš, Vedran Klaužer, and Željko Žnidar, as well as to the many gold, silver, and bronze donors, and to the societies and individuals who helped organise the 80th anniversary celebration.
