The Capital City's Protection and Rescue Service (SZŠ) will have more money available next year, so it will be able to purchase new equipment and vehicles, but there are also plans to hire more firefighters and rescuers, the commander told "Vijesti" yesterday. Nikola Bojanovic.
After a two-day debate, local parliament members adopted the budget, so Podgorica will have 164,2 million euros at its disposal next year.
According to Bojanović, the city budget has allowed the Protection and Rescue Service to have 2,5 million euros for regular expenses, while 1,7 million euros has been provided for the purchase of equipment and vehicles.
"Which is almost twice the allocation compared to the year that is coming to an end. As the commander of the Protection and Rescue Service, I would like to especially emphasize that the development of a new Service Rulebook is underway, as well as a systematization act, which plans to significantly strengthen our capacities. The number of firefighters will increase from 71 to 94. In addition, we are introducing a new Logistics Sector, which further strengthens our organization," said Bojanović.
During the fire season in August, "Vijesti" wrote that firefighters were "pulling out" the slopes of Podgorica from the fiery elements with their bare hands, without protective masks, goggles, gloves, and boots.
According to official data, this was at least their eighth fire season during which they had almost no adequate equipment.
Bojanović told the editorial staff that they are actively working to improve conditions, and that they are in the process of purchasing an additional fire truck.
"As well as uniforms for interventions during forest fires. In the coming period, the procurement of vehicles for technical interventions will also be initiated, thus continuing the continuous strengthening of the service's capacities," he said.
This, claims Bojanović, will modernize the work of the Service, "which is capable of responding to all challenges and providing the highest level of security to the citizens of Podgorica."
He reminded that this year, 2,1 million was allocated for operational costs for the Protection and Rescue Service, while almost 980.000 was invested in the purchase of equipment.
After additional allocation of funds, Bojanović recalls, the SZŠ budget was increased to 2,4 million euros.
"During this year, a series of significant capital purchases were made, thanks to which the operational readiness of firefighters was further improved. Specialized fire trucks, rescue and communication equipment, equipment for technical interventions, as well as modern devices necessary for responding to the most demanding situations were purchased."
He also pointed out that the procedure for purchasing the car ladder has been completed and that it will "go into operational use immediately after the New Year."
"This is the first vehicle of its kind to arrive in Montenegro, with which Podgorica has set new standards in the field of protection and rescue. With this purchase, the Capital City has once again shown its willingness to provide Podgorica firefighters with the best possible equipment, which is why the Protection and Rescue Service is rightly considered the best-equipped service in the country, which in terms of its level of technical equipment, organization and readiness can be envied by much larger systems, including some services in European Union countries," Bojanović pointed out.
He also said that all of this is the result of years of systematic work, adding that the results could be seen on the ground.
"From the moment I took over the management of the Service, a strong investment and reform cycle was launched, which included the procurement of equipment and vehicles, reconstruction of facilities, intensive training of firefighters, recruitment of new members and expansion of systematization in order to strengthen capacities. The Service has experienced a complete revival and today represents the leading protection and rescue system in every sense of the word. This was best confirmed during the 2025 fire season, which was the most difficult since its establishment, and to which we responded decisively, organizedly and efficiently," said Bojanović.
He said that the City will "enter 2026 with a strongly strengthened and modernized Protection and Rescue Service."
“... Which today represents one of the most organized and well-equipped protection systems in Montenegro. A significant increase in the capital budget for the procurement of equipment and vehicles confirms the clear strategic commitment of the Capital City to make the safety of citizens one of its key priorities.”
Mujović: Podgorica firefighters are the most prepared and best equipped
The Capital City announced that they will continue to strengthen the SZŠ with the aim of "maintaining and further strengthening Podgorica's position as the city with the most modern protection and rescue system in Montenegro."
Mayor Saša Mujović also provided support for the further development and strengthening of the SZŠ.
"A strong, modernly equipped and well-organized Protection and Rescue Service is the foundation of the security of every city. The capital has recognized the importance of continuous investments in people, equipment and infrastructure, which is why today we can proudly say that Podgorica has the best-equipped and most prepared fire and rescue service in Montenegro. We will continue with this responsible approach, because the safety of citizens is our absolute priority," Mujović emphasized.
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