During a working trip to the Lviv region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on their professional holiday - the Rescuer Day.
The Head of State stressed that rescuers are doing a great job - they are ready to come to the rescue at any moment and protect people from disaster.
"This year, the whole Ukraine saw the courage and dedication of the warriors of the Rescue Service: during the fires in the Chornobyl zone, Luhansk, Zhytomyr and Kharkiv regions, during the terrible flood in western Ukraine. You have shown your best qualities and saved the country from great trouble. We are infinitely proud of you and thank you for your service," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted the ordinary citizens - those who, without hesitation, rushed to help others. They became heroes answering the call of the heart, not seeking glory.
"These are ten brave people who saved the lives of fourteen people. You have actually become guardian angels for them. Today you join a large team of Ukrainian superheroes and receive the title of Hero-Rescuer of the Year,” the President said.
"But I am sure that the gratitude of the people you saved and the gratitude of their relatives and friends are no less valuable than any title. It will be with you forever," he added.
The President noted the courage, self-sacrifice and willingness of rescuers to come to the rescue at the cost of their own lives. He wished them good health and prosperity.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented high state awards to employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Civil Protection Service for their personal courage and selfless actions during the emergency response, exemplary performance of official duties and on the occasion of the Rescuer Day.
The Head of State also presented awards to 10 laureates of the All-Ukrainian action "Hero-Rescuer of the Year". The award is given to citizens who have shown courage and heroism in rescuing people, property, eliminating the consequences of fires, accidents, emergencies or natural disasters, and is solemnly presented on the Rescuer Day.
In the evening, Volodymyr Zelenskyy put an icon lamp at the Memorial to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.
