This is one of the partnership session events regularly hosted by the Regional Office of U-LEAD, which seeks to build a platform for discussing important issues of municipal life with local branches of state authorities. These sessions effectively serve as a bridge, helping municipalities gain an understanding of government policy in various areas and receive practical advice on its implementation at the local level. This was noted by Ruslan Syvyi, the Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD.
What does a rescue officer do?
“A municipal rescue officer is a person with the authority of the state emergency service (operating under the SES) who facilitates the safety and development of the municipality,” Oleksandr Mokhryk, the Head of the Rivne District Department of the State Emergency Service, explained to the municipalities. “His\her job is to prevent emergencies. A rescue officer conducts training for residents on fire safety, actions to take when explosive ordnance is found, how to be safe around water, as well as on other life safety topics,” he added.
The officer will be responsible for civil protection and assistance during emergencies. He\she will also work directly with the head of the municipality to improve the prevention efforts and bring rescuers closer to the people.
According to Oleksandr Mokhryk, 55 rescue officers will be assigned to Rivne Oblast. There will be 21 officers (two departments, six sectors) in Rivne district, 12 in Dubno district (two departments and a sector) and 11 in Sarny and Varash districts each.
Cooperation with municipalities:
Ruslan Syvyi, the Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD, compared the new position to that of a municipal police officer: “The duties of a rescuer, however, are more closely related to the safety and responsibilities of local council employees. The officer must actively participate in the development of local safety programmes and coordinate their efforts with the municipality,” he said.
“The officer acts as a bridge between the municipality and emergency services. His\her task is to raise public awareness, conduct outreach activities and help prevent emergencies,” the head of the Office stated.
Municipal support
During the discussion, officials representing Tarakaniv municipality asked whether financial support for this process was a mandatory requirement. The head of Derazhne municipality, Oleksandr Lukashets, emphasised that this officer could help prevent fires on the ground, arson, and unauthorised burning of garbage.
Ruslan Syvyi added: “The municipal rescue officer’s role is to be proactive, not just to respond to emergencies. It is about increasing the safety of residents and strengthening cooperation between the services and the municipality.”
Legislative updates and prospects
The event also featured discussions on changes in legislation regarding civil protection, fire safety and industrial safety. Participants learned how the fire inspection reform has been implemented under martial law and what new powers rescue officers have been granted.
Ruslan Syvyi summed up: “This event is an important step towards strengthening municipality safety. We would like municipal officials to have a direct and open dialogue with the public authorities responsible for the changes. Not only does this allow you to get up-to-date information about the latest developments, but also to ask questions, get advice and practical explanations from experts right away. These interactions help municipalities develop a better understanding of how to implement legislative changes locally and plan civil protection, fire safety and industrial safety measures more effectively.”
