PM and interior minister visit on duty firefighters

PM and interior minister visit on duty firefighters

The brigade's commander, Mile Jovicic, informed the high ranking officials that the first night of the new year required no major interventions.

Stefanovic said members of the Serbian Interior Ministry (MUP) - of which firefighters are a part - worked without interruption "this night as well, in very cold weather."

"I am glad that people have realized they should not drink and drive. We've had a quiet night and I hope it will remain that way," said the minister.

He added that this was an opportunity to remember those who gave their lives during the past year, such as firefighter Dejan Lazarevic who died during the May flooding rescue operations, but also those who work hard making sure that Serbians are safe. Stefanovic said that the MUP will this year make an effort to be efficient and closer to the citizens, "so people can feel that the police is undergoing reforms and building a safer society along with them."

Earlier in the evening, the minister toured MUP's operative center in Belgrade and used the communicationssystem there to speak to other such centers throughout the country, wishing them a happy new year.

In Kragujevac and Novi Sad, mayors Radomir Nikolic and Miloš Vucevic also visited police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services workers who were on duty during the new year celebrations.