Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended a festive parade on Emergency Worker’s Day at the headquarters of the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES).

Congratulating the staff of the Ministry of Emergency Situations on their professional holiday, the Prime Minister said the day is being celebrated under emergency conditions this year as we can witness our firefighters’ badly needed efforts across the country.

“We can state without exaggeration that this year the rescuers, the emergency workers, our firefighters have managed risks that could have put our country and people at serious risk. And I want to thank you once again for your selfless work. I would like to express the hope, desire and conviction that you will be as much committed to this work in the near future. In the new era of climate change as we are facing ever new emergencies the issue of effectively responding to and managing emergencies is high on the government's agenda,” the Prime Minister said.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, the government should pay special attention to the social protection and guarantees for emergency workers.

“Particular attention should be paid to proving the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations with adequate supplies and equipment. Indeed, we should pay as much attention to raising the awareness of our citizens of emergencies.

While noting that climate change does increase the risks of emergencies, we must state that those risks grow into specific challenges solely due to the human factor. And in this respect, I think one of the most important missions of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Rescue Service is to raise public awareness so that each citizen could fully realize the grave consequences of their seemingly innocent behavior. And we need to spend more resources and time to tackle this problem, because preventive efforts are always more efficient, less costly and more important,” the Head of Government pointed out.

Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the role of the Rescue Service is increasing in everyday life, since unfortunately we can see many car accidents on the roads and such domestic situations when citizens turn to rescuers for help.

“And it is important to note that over the years the rescue service will come to enjoy greater reputation in society. And this is to my mind the most important assessment of your work. Please note that the citizens’ trust is the most important value that is extremely difficult to obtain and extremely easy to lose. In this regard, I am confident that you will continue your dedicated service to the Republic of Armenia and its people. Once again let me congratulate you on Emergency Worker’s Day and appreciate the work being done. We highly value your unique and special commitment to firefighting this year. Thank you, dear rescuers and emergency workers. I wish you safe service and all the best,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

Then the Prime Minister watched the solemn parade staged by the structural units of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the demo exercises performed by the special rescue squad of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

On the occasion of Emergency Worker’s Day, for excellence and courage shown during the exercise of professional duties, a group of Ministry of Emergency Situation employees were presented with state awards and Prime Minister’s commemorative medals.

Director of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Colonel of Rescue Service Artak Nahapetyan and Head of the Lori Regional Rescue Department of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergencies, Colonel of Rescue Service Serob Gabrielyan were awarded the second-degree Medal for Merit to Motherland. The rescuer of the rescue squad of the Special Purpose Rescue Center of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Emergencies, Senior Warrant Officer of Rescue Service Georgy Mkhitaryan was awarded the Medal of Appreciation.

For conscientious and efficient performance of professional duties, MES employees Artur Mardanyan and Vahe Melkonyan were awarded the Prime Minister’s commemorative medals.