Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad 25 years

Nearly 100 years of a history of relief work in Hafnarfjörður

It has been 25 years since the Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad was founded, when the Fiskaklettur Rescue Squad and the Scouts' Aid Squad merged on 26 February 2000. The merger created one of the largest and most capable rescue squads in the country.

A celebration was held on the anniversary itself at the Klett Rescue Centre at 32 Hvaleyrarbraut, where guests had the opportunity to view the premises and equipment. The Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, Valdimar Víðisson, was at the forefront, keen to learn about the unit's operations.

„The municipality is proud to have both residents and staff within its ranks who work tirelessly and selflessly in rescue and relief work, and are on call 24 hours a day, all year round. We are extremely proud of our team and grateful to know they are on duty every day.“ says Valdimar. „A trained and well-run rescue team is an important foundation in the response plans of all local authorities.

The station's call sign is SPORI

Despite the young age of the Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad, the history of rescue and relief work in Hafnarfjörður is rapidly approaching 100 years. The squad is equipped with a wide range of equipment and a cohesive team of people who possess the knowledge and experience needed to be ready at all times. There are nearly 200 people on the call-out list. These are members who make a great effort to keep themselves, as well as the equipment and gear, in the very best condition, so that a swift and safe response can be made when the need arises. The unit, which operates under the Civil Defence Association Landsbjörg, operates in most rescue environments and can respond to any kind of emergency, whether on land or at sea. The unit also maintains a duty of care towards its Björgúlf youth section, which is one of the oldest in the country. Thus, the unit maintains a 20-year-old tradition that is also an important link in the history of Hafnarfjörður, as well as the history of all rescue operations in Iceland.

A substantial operating agreement for a number of years

For many years, the City of Hafnarfjörður and the Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad have had an operating agreement that primarily covers the operation of the association's rescue and disaster prevention centre. The basis for the City of Hafnarfjörður's contribution to the operations is based on actual figures from previous years' operations, which is a similar model to that used for the city's support of sports clubs. A predetermined portion of the grant is allocated to youth and recreational activities, including preventative measures as detailed in the association's annual report each year. Furthermore, the rescue squad uses the financial contribution from the City of Hafnarfjörður for new recruit training, training for rescue personnel, the maintenance and operation of equipment, and the maintenance and training of civil defence equipment. Part of the operating agreement has also included the unit's participation in the planning and execution of Seamen's Day in Hafnarfjörður, and its involvement always brings great satisfaction and attention.

Yes, there is a great deal of gratitude towards the rescue teams.

A very happy anniversary to the Hafnarfjörður Rescue Squad, and our sincere thanks for your contribution to the community in Hafnarfjörður and across the country.