TIRANA, June 20 /ATA/ – The United States European Command has donated a package of firefighting equipment to Albania’s Armed Forces.
Minister of Defence Olta Xhaçka, the US Chargé d’Affaires to Albania Leyla Moses-Ones, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, general brigade Manushaqe Shehu, other senior Armed Forces officers and troops deployed to cope with civil emergencies attended the firefighting equipment donation ceremony on Thursday.
Defence Minister Xhaçka expressed gratitude to the United States for the unreserved support to Albania and continued assistance in the modernization and capacity building efforts of the Armed Forces.
“This is a precious and welcomed assistance. The Civil Protection and the Armed Forces of Albania are today more prepared to cope with the unexpected weather conditions, defending not only the lives of the citizens, their property, but also the natural resources of the country.”
In her remarks, the US Chargé d’Affaires Leyla Moses-Ones praised Albania as a steadfast NATO Ally and partner, saying the donation package is an example of the enduring cooperation between the two countries.
“The firefighting equipment donation symbolizes our ongoing Humanitarian Assistance commitment to the Government of Albania. This presentation, in combination with the many other humanitarian assistance projects provided by the U.S. Embassy over the years, is just one example of the enduring cooperation between the United States and Albania. Albania is a steadfast NATO Ally and partner, and we are committed to continuing to build our partnership,” Chargé d’Affaires Leyla Moses-Ones said.
The $361 000 assistance package includes thermal imaging cameras that allow first responders to identify victims trapped by flames or obscured by smoke or the façade of a burning building; Bambi Buckets which can be suspended beneath helicopters and can dispense over 2500 Litres of water directly onto a forest fire; as well as, brand new fire resistant protective clothing and equipment to enhance the safety of first responders.
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