Monaco Fire and Emergency Service: presentation of helmets to four new recruits

Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior (centre) with Colonel Tony Varo, Supreme Commander of the Military Force (left), Colonel Maxime Yvard, Head of the Monaco Fire Service and Father Christian Venard, the Military Force’s Chaplain, and the four new recruits. © Government Communication Department / Manuel Vitali

The members of the Monaco Fire and Emergency Service gathered on Place du Campanin in Fontvieille on 9 January for a ceremony to present helmets to four new recruits. The ceremony took place under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, Chief of the Service, with Mr Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, Colonel Tony Varo, Supreme Commander of the Military Force, and Father Christian Venard, the Military Force’s Chaplain, who blessed the helmets.

The new recruits are from the class named after Staff-Sergeant Thierry Perard, a firefighter who died in the fire at the building at 21 avenue Princesse Grace on 19 June 2022. The ceremony took place in the presence of his wife and daughter.

The recruits’ helmets were presented to them by their sponsors, solemnly marking the end of a five-month period of training. This act symbolises their commitment as well as their sense of belonging to the Service. It also illustrates the fraternal bond that henceforth binds them to their brothers in arms in their mission to protect and safeguard people and property both in the Principality and in neighbouring communes.

Going forward, they will share the Service’s motto, “Courage – Devotion – Sacrifice”, with pride and dignity.