The document, published in the Diário da República, highlights the importance of the activity of Volunteer Firefighters in protecting people and property, serving as a fundamental pillar of the civil protection system.
The new support includes full financial participation in the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) for the firefighters' own permanent residence, up to a maximum of three hundred euros annually. Additionally, there will be a discount on the general water supply and urban wastewater sanitation tariff, applying the most favorable tariff bracket in force in the municipality. Free access to municipal public and collective use facilities, of a sports nature, is also foreseen.
The regulation also includes personal accident insurance, support for specialized training requested by the Command, and benefits in social and health matters.
The Mayor, Nelson Oliveira, emphasized that this is one of the largest support packages granted to a body of Volunteer Firefighters in the country. "This is one of the largest support packages granted to a body of Volunteer Firefighters in our country, with benefits ranging from total IMI exemption, substantial reduction in water tariffs, free access to sports facilities in municipal equipment, health and personal accident insurance, among other offers from the Municipality of Lousada," he stated.
With these measures, the Municipality aims to promote local policies supporting activities of public and social interest, contributing to the safety, well-being, and quality of life of the populations. Volunteer firefighting, which involves high demands, constant availability, and assumption of personal risks, is recognized as a manifestation of solidarity and commitment to the community.
