State officials and political party representatives expressed their condolences on the death of soldier Dejan Božović.
A member of the Montenegrin Army was killed during a firefighting operation in Kuči near Podgorica, while his colleague Marko Iković was seriously injured.
Pajović: His courage, dedication and sacrifice remain permanently etched in memory
The President of the Danilovgrad Municipal Assembly, Predrag Pajović, on behalf of all councilors, citizens of Danilovgrad and on his own behalf, expressed his condolences to the family and fellow soldiers of the deceased member of the Montenegrin Army, Dejan Božović.
"His courage, dedication and sacrifice in protecting the lives and property of all our citizens remain permanently inscribed in the memory of our city and state. This tragic event reminds us of the enormous price that our soldiers, firefighters, and rescue service members pay every day in order to preserve the lives and property of all of us," said Pajović.
He also sent his wishes for a speedy and full recovery for the seriously injured soldier Marko Iković.
"This is a moment when we must all show solidarity, gratitude and respect for those who, regardless of the danger, are on the front lines of the fight against the fire. Their role is invaluable, and their courage and professionalism instill a significant dose of security in those whose homes and property are still at risk," said Pajović.
Božović: Dejan's death is the tragic price of his job and the honorable military uniform he proudly wore
The news of the tragic death of a member of the Army of Montenegro, Junior Sergeant Dejan Božović, who, performing an honorable and noble duty, laid down his life while participating in extinguishing the fire near Kuče, deeply shook me, said Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to his family. The death of our Dejan is the tragic price of his work and the honorable military uniform that he proudly wore. His sacrifice represents a lasting vow of dedication, courage and love for the homeland. Eternal gratitude to him," said Šaranović.
He wished a speedy and complete recovery to the injured Sergeant Marko Iković.
"I express my deep gratitude to all firefighters, members of the Montenegrin Army, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police, protection and rescue services, volunteers and citizens, all our heroes who are participating with selfless dedication in the fight against the fire. Solidarity was also shown by our partners and our neighbors, and therefore I express my gratitude to all those who, in this difficult moment, provided support to Montenegro. Solidarity and willingness to be with us confirm that togetherness transcends borders and that friendships between peoples are strongest in moments of trial. I am convinced that, with the absolute mobilization of all our capacities and the support of our partners, we will persevere in our common goal - complete extinguishing of the fire and protection of life, property and natural resources of Montenegro," said Šaranović.
Bečić: The name of Dejan Božović will be remembered and respected as long as Montenegro
Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Crime Prevention and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić said that the state will do everything, "both institutionally and humanly", to help the Božović family and provide the best care and recovery for Iković.
"In extinguishing the fire in the Kuče area, a junior sergeant of the Army of Montenegro, Dejan Božović from Danilovgrad, laid down the most valuable thing he had, his life. His comrade, sergeant Marko Iković, suffered serious physical injuries, fighting side by side with him, against the fiery element that threatened our people, homes and natural resources. On behalf of the Government of Montenegro, the sector I head, and on my own behalf, I express my deepest condolences to the family, comrades and friends of Dejan Božović. Let them know that their grief is the grief of all of Montenegro, and their pain is the pain of all of us. I wish the injured Marko Iković a speedy and complete recovery, with all the support that the state can provide him," Bečić announced.
He said that Božović died "defending his people, his neighbors and his country."
"His courage obliges us. His sacrifice admonishes us. His name will be remembered and respected as long as Montenegro exists. May he be eternally glorified and praised."
Bečić said that the state is making "superhuman efforts" to combat the fire that has hit not only our country, but also most of Europe.
"I thank our brothers and friends from the region for their support and assistance, as well as the support that comes to us from partner countries. These hands extended in need are a sign that in the most difficult moments, borders do not exist. Thank you to our firefighters, members of the Montenegrin Army, the protection and rescue system and all citizens who work day and night, risking their own lives, to contain the fires and protect the lives of others, homes and our natural resources. You are the face of a brave Montenegro," the statement reads.
Pejović: A reminder of the strength and sacrifice of our soldiers
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Boris Pejović said that Božović's courage, dedication and willingness to risk his own life to protect others are a lasting reminder of the strength and sacrifice of our soldiers.
"It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the tragic death of the junior sergeant of the Army of Montenegro, Dejan Božović, who lost his life in a noble mission to extinguish the fire in Kuči. His courage, dedication and willingness to risk his own life to protect others are a permanent reminder of the strength and sacrifice of our soldiers. I express my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, and I wish his injured colleague Marko Iković a successful recovery," Pejović said.
"This tragedy reminds us that firefighters, members of the Army, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other services are fighting shoulder to shoulder throughout Montenegro. Their courage, solidarity and loyalty to the homeland deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. At the same time, this accident obliges us, within the competence of the Parliament, to do everything possible to ensure that firefighters, members of the Army, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other services have the best possible equipment and conditions for fighting fire. Their mission of protecting life and property must be accompanied by adequate support from the state. May eternal glory and thanks be to Junior Sergeant Dejan Božović," the statement reads.
Živković: The state should find a way to care for Božović's family
DPS President Danijel Živković said that the state and society must permanently remember Božović's sacrifice today.
"Sincere condolences to the family of the tragically deceased member of the Montenegrin Army, Dejan Božović, who lost his life today, defending citizens from the elements of fire while performing his military duty. The state of Montenegro and society as a whole must permanently remember his sacrifice today as an example of an honorable attitude towards the homeland and find a way to care for his family and four children who today lost their steadfast support. May he be eternally glorified," Živković wrote on Iks.
Nikolić: The state has a responsibility towards the fallen hero and his family
The head of the DPS parliamentary group, Andrija Nikolić, said that Božović lost his life "defending our security, our homes and our Montenegro."
"The state and its institutions have a moral and institutional responsibility towards the fallen hero and his family. Eternal glory to him," Nikolić wrote on Iks.
Joković: Hats off to the heroes
SNP President Vladimir Joković sent his condolences to the Božović family.
"Neither a handshake nor words of comfort can lessen their pain, but we, as a society, must not forget that he paid the price with his life in the fight against the fiery element. I wish the brave soldier Marko Iković, who was seriously injured on that occasion, a speedy and full recovery. To all firefighters, the heroes of today - hats off," Joković said.
Kordić: Courage and sacrifice remind us that togetherness and solidarity are priceless
Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić said that Božović "bravely laid down his life while fighting the fire."
"Deeply affected by the tragic news, on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and on my own behalf, I express my sincere condolences to the family of soldier Dejan Božović from Danilovgrad, who bravely laid down his life while fighting the fire. Our thoughts are also with Sergeant Marko Iković, who suffered serious physical injuries. In these difficult moments, when a natural disaster threatens our homes, forests and lives, we must be united. We provide full support and gratitude to all firefighters, soldiers and volunteers who, despite the danger, selflessly protect the people and nature of Montenegro. Their courage and sacrifice remind us that togetherness and solidarity are priceless," the statement reads.
Ibrahimović: Božović lost his life serving Montenegro and its citizens
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović said that Božović's sacrifice and his family "represent a lasting obligation for Montenegro."
"With great sadness in my heart, I express my deepest condolences to the family of soldier Dejan Božović, who, while serving Montenegro and every one of its citizens, lost his life today. His sacrifice and his family represent a lasting obligation for Montenegro. Great gratitude to the injured soldier Marko Iković, to whom I wish a speedy recovery. Respect to all who, with their selfless commitment and exposure to risk, are helping to contain the fire," Ibrahimović announced on Iks.
Gorčević: Died trying to help citizens
Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević expressed her condolences to the family of Božović, who "tragically died trying to help fellow citizens in the fight against the terrible fires."
"Our army, firefighters and fellow citizens are still persevering in the fight against the fire. And thanks to the #rescEU mechanism and direct bilateral cooperation, Croatia, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary are sending us personnel and aircraft to fight the fires. The EU is unity and solidarity in difficult times," she wrote on X.
Ministry of Sports and Youth: Božović's courage and selfless service to the homeland will be forever remembered
The Ministry of Sports and Youth announced that Božović's courage and selfless service to his homeland will be forever remembered.
"The Ministry of Sports and Youth expresses its deepest condolences to the family of soldier Dejan Božović for the tragic loss. His courage and selfless service to the homeland will be forever remembered. We wish soldier Marko Iković a speedy and complete recovery. Firefighters and soldiers are true heroes who, selflessly risking their lives, protect our people and our country. The Ministry of Sports and Youth expresses its full support and solidarity with the Army of Montenegro," the statement reads.
Ćulafić: Irreparable loss
Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić said that Božović's courage, dedication and professionalism will remain "permanently etched in our memories."
"The news of the tragic death of soldier Dejan Božović, who lost his life in the line of duty, deeply shook us and left us speechless. His courage, dedication and professionalism will remain permanently etched in our memories. We express our deepest condolences to the Božović family and share the pain of this irreparable loss. We wish the injured member of the Army, Marko Iković, a speedy and full recovery, and thank him for his dedication and service. We also express our gratitude to all those participating in extinguishing the fire. Your selfless courage and sacrifice deserve deep respect. Take care of yourself while you take care of others.
United: Tragedy reminds of the importance and difficulty of the work of soldiers and rescuers
United Montenegro announced that today's tragedy reminds us of the importance and difficulty of the work performed by soldiers and all members of the rescue services, often risking their own lives to protect others.
"United Montenegro extends its condolences to the family of the member of the Montenegrin Army who was killed while performing a firefighting task in Kuči. We wish the injured member of the Army a successful and speedy recovery, with expressions of gratitude for the professionalism and dedication shown to the task. A large part of the territory of Montenegro is currently affected by fires that threaten the lives of citizens, their property, and the natural resources of our country. In these circumstances, full mobilization of all available state resources is necessary, as well as efficient coordination of all services - the army, police, fire units, Civil Protection, and volunteer firefighters," the statement reads.
They said the state must provide adequate equipment, training, and working conditions for all those participating in protection and rescue.
"This is a difficult period for Montenegro. We hope that the fight against fires will soon be over, that there will be no more human casualties, and that the residents of the threatened areas have managed to protect themselves and move to safe places in a timely manner. After the situation calms down, it is necessary to review all circumstances and experiences in order to improve preparedness and protection from such disasters in the future," the United Nations said.
SNP Podgorica: Sacrifice that is not forgotten
The Podgorica branch of the Socialist People's Party (SNP) said that Božović's courage, sacrifice and willingness to defend people and their homes, even at the cost of his own life, "remain permanently inscribed in our memory."
"With deep sadness, we received the news of the tragic death of soldier Dejan Božović, who lost his life while carrying out his duty in the fight against the elements of fire in Kuči. His courage, sacrifice and willingness to defend people and their homes, even at the cost of his own life, remain permanently inscribed in our memory. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and comrades in arms in these difficult times," the Podgorica-based SNP announced.
"At the same time, we express our deep gratitude and respect to all firefighters, members of the Army, police, protection and rescue services, volunteers and everyone who, day and night, with enormous effort and risk, is fighting the fire. You are the true heroes of our time, and your strength and dedication instill hope even in the most difficult times. This tragedy reminds us how precious every human life is, but also how important it is for all of us as a society to be united and in solidarity when the lives and homes of our fellow citizens are threatened," the statement reads.
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