A new high-capacity fire truck has recently joined the ranks of the Neo Voutza Volunteer Fire Department (PY.S.E.TH.), significantly enhancing its ability to prevent and combat fires in the region.
The vehicle is a Mercedes 1222, 4×4, with a 3,000-liter capacity, donated by the Austrian volunteer station Frazen, with support from the “Hellenic Wave of Austria” and sponsorships from Austria and Switzerland. Companies such as Griechische Welle Austria, UBM Development, and Superfast Ferries also played a key role.
The official handover ceremony took place in Neo Voutza, marked by emotion and pride for the volunteers’ work. Attendees included the 77 active volunteers, their family members, local residents, senior officials of the Fire Service led by Deputy Commander of Nea Makri Athanasios Arvanitakis, as well as representatives from the Parliament, local authorities, and other volunteer organizations such as SEDM, POEM, Pateras, EPOMEA Aigaleo, Ilioupoli, and Ekali.
The blessing of the vehicle was performed by Father Dimitrios, parish priest of Agia Marina, while Nikos Kanderes and Fire Service Chief Attikarchis Vikentios Marinakis highlighted the meaning of volunteerism and collective action. Honorary plaques were awarded to Michael Holm, commander of the Austrian station, Konstantinos Papadopoulos, and Reiner Pyler for their invaluable contributions.
Founded in 2007, PY.S.E.TH. covers wildfire suppression, rescue operations, winter and mountain missions, extrications, and social services. The department is fully equipped with fire and rescue vehicles and collaborates closely with other volunteer groups, promoting a spirit of teamwork and training new volunteers. Its primary goal remains instilling the values of volunteerism in younger generations, aiming to build a more ethical and secure society.
With the addition of the new fire truck, the volunteers of Neo Voutza strengthen their ability to respond swiftly to natural disasters and community needs, reaffirming their role as a cornerstone of local safety and environmental protection.
