Alexander Kurenkov handed over new equipment to the Penza rescuers and awarded the personnel.

      The head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, Alexander Kurenkov, began a working trip to the Penza region with a visit to the 1st fire and rescue unit named after Nikolai Baichkin. This is one of the few units in the country that has been named after a distinguished veteran of the agency. Having gone through the Great Patriotic War, Colonel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia served in fire protection for over 40 years, raising several generations of firefighters. "We remember him as a person who dedicated his entire life to selfless service to the Motherland. His contribution to the development of fire protection in the Penza region is invaluable," noted the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.

      Here, the top officials of the agency, Alexander Kurenkov, and the region, Oleg Melichenko, presented awards to 20 employees who demonstrated courage and selflessness in the performance of their official duties. Medals of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia "For Rescue in Fire" were awarded to Nikita Alexeev and Agasi Azizyan, who saved three people in a fire in Penza, two of whom were children; Alexander Gozhenkin and Denis Vlasov - saved a man from a burning apartment who could not move independently. Awards were received by employees of the special management of the Fire Protection Service No. 22 of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, stationed in the Penza region. For their displayed courage and professionalism, Dmitry Klopov and Artem Romanov were awarded the medals of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia "For Rescue in Fire." For their selfless work in extinguishing a fire at an industrial facility, Anatoly Maklakov and Anton Shirov were awarded the medal of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia "For Distinction in Eliminating the Consequences of Emergencies." Pavel Kireev was awarded the badge "Participant in the Elimination of the Consequences of Emergencies."

      "You are a worthy example of faithful service to the Motherland and the noble cause of rescue," thanked the employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, Alexander Kurenkov.

      In a solemn atmosphere on the parade ground, the head of the agency handed over modern samples of fire and rescue equipment to the units: two boats and a fire truck. "Each new unit of modern equipment significantly increases the chances of saving lives. The new equipment and watercraft being handed over today will soon be on combat duty in responding units," reported the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.

      Alexander Kurenkov also held a working meeting with the leadership of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the Penza region. The head of the unit, Dmitry Kozlov, reported on the operational situation and preventive work. The head of the agency inspected the work of the territorial unit, paying special attention to the Crisis Management Center and fire and rescue infrastructure.