Samir Šabanović, recipient of the Golden Badge: Being a firefighter means living a dream for me

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Golden Badge of Civil Protection for achievements in work, organization, equipping, and strengthening the system of protection and rescue of people and material goods from natural and other disasters in FBiH was awarded this year, among others, to Samir Šabanović, commander of the fire department at the cantonal Civil Protection Administration of Sarajevo, who is extremely proud of this recognition.

“This is a moral satisfaction for me. Recognition that what we do and provide in protecting human lives and property is valuable. This is the pinnacle, that someone recognizes that we are brave and that we receive this award,” Šabanović told NAP.

Speaking about the problems they most often face in their work as firefighters, he said that the Sarajevo Fire Brigade has quite good equipment, but they have a problem due to a lack of personnel.

“That is our burning issue. But, with the number of us we have, we provide and give our maximum. We strive to ensure that no fire gets out of our control. Or any other situation when citizens call us. Every task assigned to us, we complete with 100 percent success. From floods, fires, traffic accidents, everything is resolved in the shortest possible time,” emphasizes Šabanović.

From a young age, everyone has dreams. Some want to be doctors, archaeologists, astronauts, or perhaps extinguish fires as firefighters. So, is the profession of a firefighter a dream job?

“This is how I see it. I am from Vratnik, and there is the Vratnik Voluntary Society there, and it was a tradition in Vratnik for boys to join the Voluntary Society. I don't have dreams, I live those dreams. As a child, I was a volunteer, and in 1996, I got a job in the Fire Brigade. This is one of the most beautiful jobs. I don't know about others, but for me, this is certainly the best,” states Šabanović.

He adds that “besides bravery,” not much else is needed for this job.

“Bravery is the most important thing in this job. Later come the trainings. This is an expensive craft. We are happy when we get a new truck. It was like that last year when we got a new truck. We all admired that big toy of ours like children. So, bravery and equipment, and that's it,” emphasizes Šabanović.

Given that spring is approaching and the workload is increasing, although they haven't had much rest even in winter, considering the numerous chimney fires, apartment fires, and similar incidents.

“With spring, our work increases. We have many forest fires and fires in low vegetation. This comes from irresponsible citizens who clean their meadows and yards. They are simply unable to control the fire, everything gets out of control, and then we have to intervene. It has happened that colleagues and I have entered minefields. Generally, everything is divided by seasons, but seeing happy people after a successful operation is invaluable.

In my 23 years of work, many contacts have been made, and wonderful friendships have been born. A special bond is formed between firefighters and the people they rescue. They simply come to see who saved them. And from such troubles, wonderful friendships emerge,” concludes Šabanović.