Training tomorrow’s heroes: EU support strengthens emergency readiness in Latvia

The best way to prepare for a real emergency? Practice in the most realistic way possible - without any risk. Imagine a place where future firefighters and emergency responders can handle a chemical spill or respond to a terrorist attack and gain skills and confidence in a safe, controlled environment. This is the idea behind the EU-funded project The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) and man-made disaster training in Latvia.

At the heart of the project lies the Fire Safety and Civil Protection College training ground - an innovative training centre equipped with cutting-edge simulators that recreate real-life disasters. This offers invaluable practical experience in a safe environment. The new training space includes a tactical house designed for practicing high-risk manoeuvres as well as a labyrinth and underground tunnel to learn to overcome various obstacles. For example, it allows fire-fighters and rescuers to develop the necessary practical skills for extinguishing various types of fires and conducting rescue operations in one place. The training ground is compact and transformable, so that training can take place according to various scenarios.

"This project is a game-changer for national security and disaster response," said Rūdolfs Āzens, Deputy Chief of the Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service. "We have reached a significant milestone in preparing our teams to respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively." Investments from different financial sources and partnerships have been instrumental to the project's success, particularly with the U.S. Embassy's Office of Defence Cooperation. The Office of Defence Cooperation has provided invaluable support in renovating existing buildings, thereby strengthening international collaboration and modernising facilities.

For trainees - whether they are cadets of the Fire Safety and Civil Protection College or professionals from the State Fire and Rescue Service - this project offers more than just new facilities. It's a turning point in their personal and professional growth, preparing them to become leaders in fire safety and civil protection to respond faster, smarter, and together. By enhancing skills and encouraging collaboration among services, this EU-funded initiative is paving the way for future safety and innovation.

Duration:

First cycle: 2014-2020

Second cycle: 2021-2027

Countries: Latvia

Budget:

First cycle: EUR 3 413 866

Second cycle: EUR 2 319 701

EU contribution:

First cycle : EUR 2 560 399

Second cycle : EUR 1 739 776

Fund: Internal Security Fund (ISF)

Policy: Security Policy

Project information: CBRN