Built in record time, modern and eco-friendly, the new Caussade fire and rescue center was inaugurated

The inauguration ceremony of the new Caussade fire rescue center (Tarn-et-Garonne), under the presidency of Vincent Roberti, prefect of Tarn-et-Garonne, and Michel Weill, president of the departmental council, s is distinguished by an atmosphere that is both solemn and warm.

It was marked by the participation of numerous authorities, old and young firefighters and an audience made up of invited citizens and family members of Caussadais firefighters.

After honors to the flag and a moving tribute to the fallen, punctuated by a laying of wreaths at the foot of the stele by a former head of the center, André Ayral, a young firefighter and an active firefighter, the cutting of the ribbon made this inauguration official to the applause of all the participants.

And in the presence of elected parliamentary representatives, departmental councilors, mayors of the municipalities concerned, senior colonel Olivier Théron, departmental director of the Tarn-et-Garonne fire and rescue service, and Commander Franck Betton, head of the center . Command of the troops had been entrusted to Captain Christian Liebert.

An investment of nearly 2.5 million euros

Among the various financiers, the departmental council invested the sum of €635,000, or 26.46% of the total, and the SDIS €855,000, or 35.63%. The municipalities in the sector (Caussade, Lapenche, Monteils, Puylaroque, Saint-Georges, Saint-Vincent-d'Autéjac) contributed €515,000, or 21.46%, in proportion to their population and their tax potential. . The VAT compensation fund completed the financing for 16.46%, for a total investment of 2.4 million euros.

This center, extending over 1,200 m², aims to be an ecological model, thanks in particular to an additional investment of €400,000 from the departmental council for photovoltaic panels and water reserves. Energy efficiency is promoted thanks to the use of instantaneous water heaters and the recovery of rainwater.

In addition, the trees present on the site have been preserved, demonstrating real environmental concern. Completed this summer, the center was created in a record time of just one year, mobilizing sixteen companies since the laying of the first stone on July 3, 2023.

A collective and exemplary work

In his speech, the president of the departmental council, Michel Weill indicated that the creation of this fire and rescue center was a collective work resulting from a strong political will of the department. “Valérie Rabault and Cédric Vaissières fought tirelessly so that this idea of ​​a barracks, which had fallen into oblivion, could see the light of day. I warmly thank them for their determination” underlined President Weill who specified that the departmental council covered more than 40% of the total cost by ensuring 50% of the SDIS resources.
Then he thanked the mayors present: “This barracks is also seeing the light of day thanks to the seven municipalities who financed this project alongside us. I know what this means to you. I associate Emmanuel Cros who was of invaluable help in this achievement.”

And added: “Building a new fire station is a human and collective adventure which was close to our hearts because the firefighters are close to our hearts… Our only compass was the adaptation to daily users, that is to say tell you, dear firefighters”. He then cited some figures: 58 women and men at this center who carry out 1,200 field interventions per year to provide relief, assistance and comfort.

Numbers and men

“In 2023, you rescued 871 people, extinguished 137 fires, intervened in 136 traffic accidents and other various operations. Behind these figures, there are human situations, faces, distress that you have alleviated. Your dedication is a source of inspiration for us and for generations to come. On behalf of the entire territory, I want to thank you for your commitment, your availability, your courage. Your station is exemplary for the exemplary firefighters that you are,” concluded President Weill.

Finally, Vincent Roberti, prefect of Tarn-et-Garonne welcomed this additional step in the continuous improvement of the public rescue and firefighting service. “Reactivity, proximity, efficiency are the key words of the fire and rescue services, whose territorial network is a strength and a guarantee of territorial equality” he declared in the preamble before thanking the president of the departmental council and the mayors of the municipalities concerned for their determined action.

A significant contribution from the State

“The commune of Caussade, the most populous in the community of communes, invested €443,000 in this project, both for the purchase of the land and for the construction of the buildings. In addition to these investment expenses, there is an annual contribution of €130,000 for operating costs,” he insisted, also citing the financial and human participation of the six other municipalities.

Then he recalled the State's contribution of €395,000 through the value added tax compensation fund. Underlining the strategic nature of volunteering, he insisted on the relationship between professional firefighters and volunteer firefighters to guarantee the balance of the system. “The sustainability of emergency centers is essential, as well as the recruitment of new volunteer firefighters, because in rural areas, they ensure a rapid response… This new center, better adapted, more modern, but also more welcoming, responds to this need,” he added.