Croatia awards US and French firefighters

US and French firefighters were presented with awards from the Sabor and the Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ), recognising their outstanding cooperation and contribution to the development of Croatian firefighting in the field of new technologies and risk management.

Parliamentary medals and HVZ certificates were presented to Fire Chief John Orlando of the New York Fire Department (FDNY), Rémy Dusbois, president of the French association PUI, French Ambassador Fabien Fieschi, and Renault Group safety specialist Claire Petite Boulanger, CE Report quotes HINA.

Orlando has collaborated on the issue of lithium-ion battery fires, while Dusbois and his colleagues have for many years supported Croatian firefighters, HVZ officials noted.

Croatia's Chief Fire Officer, Slavko Tucaković, highlighted the tangible impact of foreign experts on the development of Croatian firefighting, particularly in new technologies and risk management.

"Thanks to the operational experience and expertise John Orlando shared with us, the Croatian firefighting community established a working group for electric vehicles in 2025. This marked a major step forward in prevention and training and improved the safety of our firefighters during operations. PUI and Rémy Dusbois also play a key role in training our firefighters, especially through exercises simulating accidents and fires involving electric vehicles," he said.

Awards recognising contributions to Croatian firefighting

PUI is an international humanitarian association that provides expert support during major disasters with personnel and equipment, participates in all types of rescue operations, and has been active in Croatia since 2016 through equipment donations and training. It serves as a key link between Croatian firefighters and the Renault Group, HVZ officials added.

The awards underscore the importance of ongoing knowledge exchange and the continuation of successful cooperation between the HVZ, the FDNY and Pompiers de l’Urgence Internationale (PUI).

"These awards express our gratitude for selfless contributions to the development of Croatian firefighting and confirm that the HVZ nurtures and expands international cooperation with the world's most respected firefighting organisations. The FDNY, PUI and the HVZ share the same values -- professionalism, dedication and a commitment to public safety," said Ante Sanader, President of the HVZ Executive Board.

Renault Group representative Claire Petite Boulanger announced the continuation and deepening of cooperation with the Croatian firefighting community, revealing that in 2026, the company will provide special training vehicles, including hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

She also announced a professional seminar on 15-16 September 2026 in France, where Renault engineers will present the latest technological solutions, safety systems and specifics of Renault vehicles to Croatian firefighters.