On July 2nd, 2026, the town of Preddvor celebrated the 130th anniversary of its volunteer fire department, Prostovoljno gasilsko društvo (PGD) Preddvor. The celebration was marked by a two-day event that brought together tradition, pride, and respect for long-term voluntary service. The highlight of the ceremony took place on Saturday, where a solemn parade was held in the center of Preddvor, accompanied by the Municipal Band of Kranj and the majorettes and twirling club from Kranj. The event drew a large audience who gathered on the courtyard of Grad Dvor, where speeches were delivered by prominent figures in the community.
Aleš Traven, president of PGD Preddvor, gave a speech outlining the history of the organization, highlighting significant milestones and more challenging interventions over the years. He also spoke about the current operations of the group, which includes numerous operational members, youth, and veterans. His address concluded with gratitude towards members, veterans, mentors, the municipality, fire organizations, donors, supporters, and families of firefighters for their contributions. He expressed hope that future generations would continue to maintain the connection, dedication to the firefighting mission, and pride in the work of their predecessors.
Rok Roblek, the mayor of Preddvor, emphasized the 130-year tradition of organized response to emergency calls in the area and highlighted the importance of firefighting as a value that still unites characteristics such as discipline, solidarity, and selfless help. He thanked all firefighters for their significant contribution to safety and community cohesion and for being role models for younger generations.
The keynote speaker was Zvonko Glažar, commander of the Fire Association of Slovenia. He spoke about the long tradition of firefighting in Slovenia, which dates back more than 150 years, and emphasized the important role of voluntary firefighting in modern society. He pointed out the increasing frequency of accidents and stressed that firefighters perform demanding and responsible daily work, where knowledge and dedication are crucial.
The climax of the ceremony was the symbolic handover of the Povšnar water pump, a precious old manual fire pump. After the dissolution of the fire department in Kokri at the end of the 1950s, the pump had been under the care of the Kranj Fire and Rescue Service since around the year 2000. It was restored and carefully preserved, and during this ceremony, the care of the historical pump was handed over to the Preddvor firefighters. The historic pump now has a place in the museum spaces of PGD Preddvor at Grad Dvor. During the handover, it was emphasized that the pump is not just a historical artifact but a symbol of people who once protected the community with it. The ceremony ended with a blessing of the pump performed by local priest Pavel Okoliš, followed by an announcement of the official award ceremony at the academic event of PGD Preddvor, which will be hosted by the town in November this year.
In another incident, a young girl wearing a white dress with green roses went missing near Čatež. Immediately, all available Brežice police officers and police dog handlers were dispatched to the scene, initiating a swift, comprehensive, and coordinated search operation under the leadership of the police. They searched the camp area, embankments, paths, surrounding areas, and water surfaces, as well as every corner where the child might have gone. Security personnel, firefighters, and rescue dog handlers also joined the search. Remarkably, the initiative of the camp guests from many countries was evident, as they quickly recognized the situation and offered assistance without hesitation.
After an hour and a half of dedicated searching by all participants, the girl was found approximately one kilometer away, near a cornfield, by a guest from Scotland. The girl was brought into the hands of the police officers, who then returned her to her mother's embrace. The moment was described as indescribable with words—relief, tears, happiness. The police officers also thanked the camp guests, visitors, and staff from Term Čatež, the Scottish finder, Sintal security guards, Cerin volunteers, rescue dog handlers, and Brežice rescuers. They checked the girl and confirmed that she had suffered only minor bruises and was exhausted due to the heat.
The police station in Novo Mesto noted that yesterday’s search operation once again demonstrated that the greatest strength of the community lies in its people. When everyone comes together and contributes their part, even stories full of fear, despair, and uncertainty can end with a smile, a hug, and tears of joy. Today, the girl and her mother visited the police station again and received a police bear as a gift. The message was clear: to remember the kindness of those who helped her return safely to her mother's arms. This bear was a symbol of courage and a reminder that one is never alone in times of need. The police station expressed sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the story with a happy ending and wished the little girl with the white dress and green roses a happy life.
Meanwhile, in Gorizia, the Fire Association Gorišnica prepared the 28th Firefighters' Day, which coincided with the 90th anniversary of the PGD Formin. The traditional gathering of firefighters of all generations was held at the PGD Formin, marking both the anniversary and the acquisition of a new fire truck. Attendees included firefighters from all associations within the Fire Association Gorišnica, the fire youth, veterans, representatives from neighboring fire associations, numerous guests, and citizens. The event once again showed that firefighting is not only about responding to emergencies but also about connecting people, preserving traditions, and strengthening cooperation.
Sandi Obran, president of the Fire Association Gorišnica, emphasized that the Firefighters' Day has been a traditional meeting of all generations of firefighters for several years. He stated that the event is primarily aimed at connecting firefighters with each other and invited neighboring fire associations to participate in the celebrations. The 90th anniversary of PGD Formin added special significance to this year's event, starting with the opening of an exhibition on the history of the association, meetings with veterans, and tactical exercises by fire units. The central ceremony focused on celebrating the anniversary and the new acquisition of the association.
Robert Marin, chairman of the supervisory board of PGD Formin, emphasized the values that have accompanied the association since its establishment, including effort, sacrifice, camaraderie, friendship, good neighborly relations, and above all, humanitarian spirit. The mayor of the municipality of Gorišnica, Borut Kolar, highlighted the indispensable role of firefighters in the local community. He said that without firefighters, especially in his eyes, things would not be possible. When difficult moments and accidents occur, it is precisely the firefighters who are ready to leave everything behind and come to help. They also contribute to connecting villages, participating in village committees, and numerous other activities. Such events are too few in the municipality, but firefighters repeatedly prove that they are always ready to stand together and help.
The culmination of the event was the handover of the new fire truck of the Fire Association Gorišnica and the delivery of the new vehicle to PGD Formin. This new acquisition will significantly strengthen the operational readiness of the association and enable faster and more effective assistance during interventions. The 28th Firefighters' Day and the high anniversary of PGD Formin highlighted the message that firefighting has been based on voluntarism, dedication, mutual support, and connecting people for decades, remaining its greatest value.
Slovenia
