Hadžibajrić receives police officers who saved a man from drowning in the Miljacka River

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Mayor of Stari Grad Municipality, Mr. Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, today presented certificates of appreciation and monetary awards to police officers of the Stari Grad Police Station for their bravery on February 18 this year, when they saved a man from certain drowning in the Miljacka River, near the Bentbaša dam.

The awards were given to police officers of the Stari Grad Police Station: Merima Čelik, Siniša Kovačević, Adnan Karaman, Danijel Tomić, and Asmir Durović. It was Durović who was first on the scene that day: „During our regular activities, we received a report that a citizen had seen a man in the riverbed of the Miljacka near the Bentbaša dam. Very quickly, together with my colleagues Adnan and Siniša, I set out to rescue the person. We formed a human chain and, with superhuman effort, pulled the unconscious man out of the cold river,“ said Asmir. 

With the help of officers Merima and Danijel and the emergency medical team, the man was later saved from hypothermia. Those present concluded that this operation was successful due to excellent coordination between citizens and the police, as well as a dose of luck, given that the individual did not end up in the river's whirlpool, which can be particularly dangerous in winter. The officers also expressed great satisfaction at saving what is most valuable – a human life.

Mayor Hadžibajrić was interested in how this unfortunate incident occurred, and he was told that it is suspected to involve an elderly person who was alone at the moment of falling into the river, and most likely fell into the water near the dam.

„We are proud that in Stari Grad we have such brave police officers ready to help people in need. I wanted to meet you and express my gratitude for taking care of our citizens,“ said Mayor Hadžibajrić.

The Stari Grad Municipality and the First Police Administration – Stari Grad Police Station have continuous cooperation, and the municipality has on several occasions in the past allocated funds for the procurement of equipment for police officers. In November 2018, the Municipality also procured a field motor vehicle of the brand „Škoda Rapid“ for the needs of the First Police Administration, and ensured the installation of video surveillance, which is under the control of this police station at numerous locations in Stari Grad. The installation of video surveillance at all entrances and exits to Stari Grad is underway, which will also be controlled by this police station.

At today's reception with the mayor, in the company of the brave police officers, were also the Chief of the First Police Administration – Stari Grad Police Station, Safet Šabović, as well as municipal councilor Ekrem Kaljanac.

Šabović thanked Mayor Hadžibajrić for the invitation and for the fact that he so highly values the bravery and dedicated work of the Stari Grad Police Station officers.