On Tuesday, the 21st of March, Latvia’s government approved Col. Mārtiņš Baltmanis as the new chief of the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD).
He plans to focus on the needs of VUGD workers and develop equipment and infrastructure.
Baltmanis previously said he has three priorities. First – take care of the service’s workers to make sure there are enough of them and they are well prepared. Second – ensure VUGD has modern equipment. Third – the new chief of VUGD will work on infrastructure development.
He said the services recently adopted a strategy for the development of its services. This new strategy outlines specific targets for results.
As for the government’s adopted state budget for 2023, Baltmanis said
it includes the requested funding amount that is necessary to afford new vehicles.
There are also multiple activities focused on infrastructure.
As for the increase of wages, last year a 10% increase was outlined. Now, however, the budget project does not include such an allocation of funds, rather certain positions that apply to pay for work during holiday. Remuneration of fire fighters remains below the wages in the national economy. This means wages will be one priority, stressed Baltmanis.
The law states the head of VUGD is elected for a five-year term by a minister after the candidates approval by the Cabinet of Ministers. Minister of the Interior Māris Kučinskis decided to pick Baltmanis. He has served as deputy chief of VUGD since 2018.
On the 31st of March 2023, after more than 31 years in service, Oskars Āboliņš will step down as the chief of VUGD. In his statement to the press, he said this decision was not sudden. He has been in charge of VUGD for 12 years, which is a long time.
Also read: Latvia’s Minister of Interior foresees two «battles» – for wages and physical readiness