This is the first time that the Sdis des Côtes-d'Armor, Departmental Fire and Rescue Service, has organized such a reception. Thursday, November 7, in Saint-Brieuc, the institution wanted to thank six partner employers, the most invested out of the 150 with which it collaborates.
During the ceremony, the prefect awarded them the “partner employer” label, rewarding the provision, at least eight days per year, of their employees engaged as volunteer firefighters for cooperation, training or even prevention missions. As a thank you, Sdis also offered symbolic trophy helmets.
Businesses, communities and a craftsman
Among the employers highlighted were Smitred Ouest of Armor-Valorys, involved since 2013, the town hall of Plœuc-L'Hermitage (six volunteers), that of Loudéac (seven), the artisan electrician-plumber Guénaël Rocher de Pleubian (two), Laïta in Créhen (three) as well as the Departmental Council, which mobilizes 38. Throughout the department, around a hundred employers are certified, which represents around 350 firefighters.
“An asset in a company”
“Having volunteer firefighters is an asset in a company,” recalls Commander Benjamin Gaspaillard, in charge of volunteering at Sdis 22. These employees are trained in life-saving actions and are informed about prevention. » Since Covid-19, Sdis has noted “a sharp erosion in the availability of staff”, particularly during the day and during the week. These partnerships are therefore key, in order to promote the commitment of volunteers.
