Prime Minister decorates personnel who battled fires across Albania

Published: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 14:16

In a ceremony held in Tirana, the Prime Minister of Albania decorated 24 personnel from the Armed Forces, State Police, National Civil Protection Agency, and fire services who distinguished themselves in recent operations to extinguish fires across the country.

In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted that these decorations are a token of gratitude for those who risked their lives to protect citizens. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Armed Forces, State Police, firefighters, and Civil Protection structures, noting that coordinated efforts produce exemplary results.

Prime Minister Edi Rama stated:

“Hundreds of interventions and 100 missions from the air, the state did not break. This shows that the Civil Protection Mechanism, from the most remote village to the center of Tirana, was able to give its best, even though much remains to be done.”

He confirmed that Albania will begin building its own fleet, starting with two firefighting aircraft, but stressed that “the real magic is in coordination and sacrifice on the ground.”

Based on proposals from Defence Minister Pirro Vengu and Minister of Interior Ervin Hoxha, the decorations included:

Prime Minister’s Medal for Public Appreciation, Grade III – “Star of Public Appreciation”:

Colonel Gëzim Marku, Commander, Southern Regiment, Land Force

Lieutenant Colonel Ervin Buzi, Commander, Farkë Air Base

Commissioner Agim Troci, Head of Delvinë Police Station

Prime Minister’s Medal for Professional Merit, Gold:

Lieutenant Colonel Klajdi Tushe, Deputy Squadron Commander, Farkë Air Base

Inspector Klajdi Mustaj, Urban and Interurban Traffic Section, Fier Police Directorate

Lieutenant Colonel Euklid Jemini, Commander, Military Unit 1032

Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Nasufi, Commander, Regional Support Detachment

Ilirian Hasanaj, Director, Civil Protection Center, National Civil Protection Agency

Besnik Hasani, Chief Firefighter, Delvinë Municipality

Ilir Sinani, Chief Firefighter, Finiq Municipality

Ilir Llapushi, Chief Inspector, Gramsh Municipality

Ahmet Beqo, Firefighter, Konispol Municipality

Klodjan Fishta, Firefighter, Bulqizë Municipality

Prime Minister’s Medal for Professional Merit, Silver:

Lieutenant Colonel Aleksandër Sinaj, Deputy Commander, Civil Emergency Support Base

Inspector Laura Leka, Public Order Sector, Korçë Police Station

Major Ermal Radomi, Company Commander, Civil Emergency Support Base

Toger Sajmir Sheme, Company Commander, Light Infantry Battalion

Sergeant Indrit Shehi, Flight Technician, Multi-Role Helicopter Group

Tetar Vasil Leno, Liaison Specialist, Light Infantry Battalion

Sub-commissioner Eridion Lame, Crime Specialist, Delvinë Police Station

Prime Minister’s Medal for Professional Merit, Bronze:

Second Sergeant Denis Gaba, Platoon Commander, Combat Support Regiment

Sergeant Granita Hasanaj, Squad Commander, Firefighting Platoon

Private IV Bresil Xhaçka, Health Specialist, Special Forces Battalion

Andi Gjura, Officer, General Patrol, Police Station No. 2

These decorations recognize exceptional service and dedication during firefighting operations, honoring those who risked their lives to safeguard citizens.