Agreement with the Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad signed

Haraldur L. Haraldsson, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, and Gísli Johnsen, Chairman of the Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad, signed an operating agreement for 2018 yesterday. In it, the municipality commits to supporting the squad's operations for the year with 19 million krónur, in accordance with the 2018-2022 financial plan. The operating agreement primarily concerns the rescue- and rescue centre of the association, but the basis for the contribution from the City of Hafnarfjörður to its operations is based on actual figures from previous years' operations, which is the same model used as a reference for the city's support of sports associations.

„A well-run and well-trained rescue team is an absolute foundation in any local authority's response plan. We are proud of our team and grateful to know they are on standby. The support of the local council matters, as does the support of everyone in the form of buying a Christmas tree, fireworks, or supporting any other fundraising that strengthens their work,“ said Haraldur L. Haraldsson, the mayor, at the signing of the agreement, which took place at the council's Christmas tree sale in Hvalshúsið on the corner of Flatahraun and Reykjavíkurvegur.

The Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad commits to allocating a specific portion of the grant to youth and recreational activities, including preventative measures. In its annual report to the town council, the squad shall provide a detailed account of how these funds have been spent. Furthermore, the rescue squad will use the financial contribution from the City of Hafnarfjörður for new recruit training, the training of rescue personnel, the maintenance and operation of equipment, and the maintenance and training of civil defence equipment. The contract also provides for a specific financial contribution for the training of tracking dogs, which have given the unit a unique specialism. The Hafnarfjörður Rescue Unit is the only rescue unit in the country that owns and uses tracking dogs for the search for missing people.

Furthermore, the rescue team commits to taking part in the planning and running of Seamen's Day in Hafnarfjörður, which is a major day in the town's cultural life, and the team's involvement always brings great pleasure and attention.