St. Barbara’s Day celebrated at the new rescue center

Saturday, November 30, firefighters celebrated Saint Barbara, their patron saint, and paid tribute to their dead. For many years, this ceremony has taken place at the city's war memorial, but with the creation in 2022 of the new rescue center, the firefighters will have a dedicated monument in 2024. Thus, for the first time, the ceremony took place within the barracks itself, in the presence of elected officials, including Mayor Patrick Davet, state representatives and senior officers from the fire brigade.

After reviewing the different sections, sub-prefect Jean-Louis Amat read the message from the Minister of the Interior, which underlined the role of Civil Security, “pillar of our republican model”. The ceremony continued with the recall of the names and qualities of the sappers who died this year (seven died in the line of duty and one in fire) and with the laying of wreaths.

3 000 interventions

In 2024, there will have been 4,700,000 interventions in France, or more than 13,000 per day. François Castaing, the head of the center, specified that the firefighters of La Teste-de-Buch had carried out a little more than 3,000, that is to say approximately the same number as in 2023. He also mentioned the rise in human skills and the need to strengthen recruitment. Indeed, although the barracks has 143 men, it records several departures. Furthermore, he welcomed the arrival of new resources, in particular two CCFM 5200 for forest fires, and he took advantage of the presence of the State representative to request a CCFS, a vehicle with a capacity of 13,000 liters .

Finally, several firefighters were decorated: with 40 years of service, Amédée Bessaguet received the large gold medal of honor; for his 30th birthday, Jean-Luc Lafaurie obtained the gold medal of honor; doctor Emmanuel Perrin, Martial Sacquin and Laurent Rousset were decorated with the silver medal of honor. Patrice Bianco, for his part, received the bronze medal. Florian Adji Paraguire was promoted to adjutant, and Océane Chaux-Jean received the 1st class sapper stripe.