- Viviana Veloz, head of the Legislature, presented the recognition to Lieutenant Colonel Esteban Cárdenas Varela, chief of the capital’s Fire Department.
Quito, October 30, 2024 (Quito Informa) – In a ceremony held in the plenary hall, the National Assembly presented the ‘Doctor Vicente Rocafuerte for social merit’ award to the Quito Fire Department for its outstanding work during the fight against the forest fires that affected the capital.
The president of the National Assembly, Viviana Veloz, highlighted the bravery and professionalism of the Quito Fire Department, describing its work as a fundamental pillar for the security of the community “… this
“His great professionalism in responding to emergencies and fires, natural disasters and various risk situations. Its outstanding career has allowed lives and material assets to be safeguarded, becoming one of the most respected and admired institutions in the country,” he stated after recognizing the heroic and altruistic work of the fire department.
Decoration to Commander Esteban Cárdenas
At the same event, the assembly members highlighted the work of Lieutenant Colonel Esteban Ernesto Cárdenas Varela, who “has demonstrated unparalleled commitment in highly demanding operations, particularly during the forest fires that occurred in our country. His willingness and constant vigilance in critical situations and his skills have not only allowed us to solve missions in rugged and difficult-to-access terrain, but have also ensured the success of the operations carried out together with his fire team.”
Upon receiving the decoration, the commander assumes it as “a symbol of our work, as well as the recognition and appreciation of the work of all the fire departments of our beloved country.”
«May this decoration be the beginning of the reinforcement of the commitment that each of the brave men and women who make up the Fire Departments of the entire Ecuadorian territory have to live up to the needs of each of our citizens and be able to provide them with the services they deserve,” he concluded.
Firefighters received applause from the city
In order to recognize the work carried out during the forest fires, on Tuesday, October 1, Mayor Pabel Muñoz suspended the session of the Metropolitan Council to pay tribute and express his gratitude to the Quito Fire Department.
For one minute, the Plenary gave a standing ovation to the firefighters. Likewise, citizens and municipal officials from the north, center, south and peripheries of the city joined in this recognition and gratitude.
In addition, he thanked the firefighters from: Ambato, Riobamba, Santo Domingo, Quijos, Los Bancos, Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Mejía, Rumiñahui, Lago Agrio and Santa Clara for their brave action. The provincial Decentralized Autonomous Governments that cooperated during this emergency were also thanked.