Service personnel receive medals for assisting in exceptional emergencies in 2019

SVK Armed Forces service personnel received medals for assisting in exceptional emergencies in 2019 during a ceremony at Bratislava Castle today (5 February 2020). The Minister of Interior Commemorative Medal was presented to 20 soldiers, MP personnel, military chaplains and psychologists for their assistance at the site of the residential tower block gas explosion on Mukachevo Street in Prešov, at the scene of the bus accident in Nitra, and at the crash site of the MiG-29 fighter jet.

Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš commented: “This recognition, too, testifies to the fact that the Armed Forces are here for SVK citizens uninterruptedly and they are ready to respond to different crisis situations to the benefit of the security and safety of what is most precious of all, and that’s human life.” He pointed out that over 1,800 soldiers, supported by equipment, were deployed to respond to the emergencies. Minister Gajdoš went on: “Respect and thanks go out to all those who responded to the tragic events.”

Besides service members, awarded today by Minister of Interior Denisa Saková were also 241 members of the SVK Firefighting and Rescue Corps, voluntary firefighters, members of the SVK Police Corps, members of the SVK Mountain Rescue Service and the Comprehensive Central Rescue Service who were among the first responders to last year’s greatest tragedies in Slovakia.