The centenary of the Zlatar Bistrica Volunteer Fire Department (DVD) began with a parade through the centre of Zlat-Bistrica, followed by a ceremonial programme at the local culture house.
Members of the association, fire officers from various local units, representatives of the local municipality and the Krapina-Zagorje County, and other guests gathered at the event. Honorary citations were presented to distinguished individuals and collaborators.
The president of the Zlat-Bistrica DVD, Benjamin Mikulec, recalled the century of work the association had achieved and the generations of people who had built it. He highlighted that the DVD was not merely a building, a garage, vehicles, and equipment, but primarily people ready to help others. He stated that the community had built what they had today over the past 100 years, emphasizing the responsibility of the current generation to preserve the legacy passed down by their predecessors and to pass it on to future generations. He concluded by stating that they had celebrated 100 years of togetherness, friendship, and devotion to the fire service.
The president of the Fire Association of the Krapina-Zagorje County, Stjepan Skulber, congratulated the Zlat-Bistrica DVD on its centenary. He highlighted the breadth and strength of the fire service in the region, noting that the county’s fire service comprised more than 7,000 members. He stated that this was a cohesive whole and a guarantee that the fire service would continue to function as such. He reflected on the numerous interventions carried out during the year and highlighted the readiness and competence of the local fire brigades.
The mayor of the municipality, Dražen Mikulec, highlighted the importance of the fire department to the community and its residents. He stated that 100 years of fire service was not just 100 years of fire service, but that the fire service had lived within the community and participated in the lives of its people. He added that the municipality relied heavily on the fire service in numerous situations, from natural disasters and accidents to the organisation of various events and activities. He specifically thanked the generations of fire officers who had built the association over the past century, highlighting three individuals: the late commander Dado, as well as Božidar Mažan and Vladimir Ljubičić. He stated that these three people had shaped the last 50 years of the Zlat-Bistrica DVD, noting that the municipality strove to follow their work.
The Member of Parliament and mayor of Konjščina, Ana Curiš Krob, highlighted that 100 years of fire service was a significant milestone. She stated that fire service was deeply rooted in tradition and daily life, particularly in the Hrvatsko Zagorje region and the north of Croatia. She stated that 100 years was not a small number and that 100 years of fire service deserved to be celebrated appropriately. She highlighted that the contribution of fire officers extended beyond mere intervention, noting that continuous investment was required in the fire service system. She specifically highlighted the readiness of northern Croatian fire officers to deploy, noting that fire officers from the north of Croatia frequently went on deployment and assisted in other parts of the country.
