Monaco has welcomed four new firefighters to the fold. Under the Corps’ guiding motto of “Courage, devotion, sacrifice”, the recruits will serve under the banner of the late Chief-Sergeant Thierry Perard, who lost his life in the line of duty in June 2022.

The Monaco Fire Brigade held a touching ceremony in the Place du Campanin in Fontvieille on 9th January, during which the four newly inducted recruits were formally presented with their helmets.

The event, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, was attended by distinguished guests, including Minister of the Interior Lionel Beffre; Colonel Tony Varo, the Superior Commander of Monaco’s Force Publique, which encompasses the Fire Brigade and the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince; and Father Christian Venard, Chaplain of the Public Force, who blessed the helmets.

The ceremony held special significance, as the new recruits are part of the Chief-Sergeant Thierry Perard class, named in honour of the firefighter who tragically lost his life during a fire at 21 Avenue Princesse Grace on 19th June 2022. The late firefighter’s wife and daughter attended the event, adding emotional resonance to the proceedings.

Each recruit received their intervention helmet from a designated sponsor, marking the culmination of a rigorous five-month training programme. The presentation of the helmets symbolises the recruits’ formal commitment to the Fire Brigade and their integration into its ranks. It also reflects the deep sense of fraternity shared among the members of the Corps, who work tirelessly to protect lives and property within the Principality and neighbouring municipalities.

The new recruits now join their comrades in embracing the Corps’ guiding motto: “Courage-Devotion-Sacrifice.” With these values at heart, they will now embark on their mission to serve the community with pride and dignity.

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Pictured: Lionel Beffre, Interior Minister (centre); with Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Public Force (left); Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, Chief of the Monaco Fire Brigade; and Father Christian Venard, Chaplain of the Public Force (right), as well as the four new recruits 

Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department