President Calls for Improvements in Conditions for Rescue and Security Corps

Bratislava, 30 January (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini has called for improved working conditions for the country's rescue and security services, expressing his wish that they shouldn't become the focus of political rivalry. The head of state received representatives of the rescue and security services on Friday. Police Corps president Jana Maskarova thanked the families of rescue workers, firefighters and police officers for their support, understanding, and patience. "We often take your service for granted and consider it to be something normal because we've become accustomed to it. But even here I'd like to remind you that we still have a lot of work ahead of us," said the president, mentioning, for example, the shortage of police officers and the need to renovate their premises and renew their vehicle fleets. Crises, fires and accidents also show what kind of equipment the Fire and Rescue Corps needs. According to Pellegrini, it's everyone's duty to find the financial resources for modernisation despite consolidation. "The state needs to lend you a helping hand and help you to overcome these difficult situations, which ordinary mortals might not even be able to cope with, let alone work professionally and lend a helping hand. That's why I'd like to express our great admiration to all of you," said Pellegrini to all the units. am/df