There is no doubt that all professions are important. However, there are special ones among them, those that require maximum dedication, courage, determination, and the ability to think first and foremost about the lives of others. The profession of a rescuer undoubtedly belongs to these.

Currently, about 2.5 thousand employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations ensure the safety of the residents of the Vitebsk region. In the current year, they have already extinguished about 380 fires and over 1,800 other fires in the region, and responded to more than 60 incidents to eliminate the consequences of road traffic accidents. As a result, 42 people were rescued and 89 were evacuated. Ministry of Emergency Situations employees are always the first to arrive at incidents and accidents of a natural character. Thanks to the established system of interaction with local authorities and preventive entities in the region, catastrophic situations are prevented.

The constant renewal of the vehicle fleet and equipment contributes to helping citizens quickly and effectively. In 2015-2016 alone, 15 heavy-class fire trucks with a capacity of 10 tons of water were put into service in various divisions of the region, which significantly reduced the time to extinguish fires, noted **Head of the Regional Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations Alexander Klobuk** (pictured).

But no matter how modern the equipment is, it means little without people. Among the rescuers are the best of the best, those distinguished by high moral and physical qualities, who are ready to serve day and night, despite difficulties, without regard for personal time. The main reward for them is undoubtedly the gratitude of the population. However, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus, authorities, and the regional department do not leave their strenuous work and selflessness unnoticed. In the current year alone, more than 450 employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations have been recognized in the Vitebsk region.

On July 25, rescuers celebrate their professional holiday. On the eve of this date, Alexander Klobuk conveyed congratulations to colleagues and veterans of the fire service:

— The role of firefighters and rescuers in combating fires, eliminating emergencies and natural disasters is invaluable. Our people deserve sincere praise and gratitude. I wish everyone health, happiness, peace, well-being, inexhaustible optimism, and success in their work for the benefit of the Belarusian people.

Liliya Ivchenko. Photo by Anton Stepanishchev. "Vitebskiye Vesti".